Tims A Trooper and Speak The Truth in thrilling dead heat

Evergreen pacer Tims a Trooper (Tintin In America) and Speak The Truth (Bettors Delight) fought out a desperate finish in the Benstuds Standardbreds Pace at Albion Park when they could not be separated in a dead heat.

Although the Free For All was the main harness racing event and attracted only six runners the race proved to be a fascinating spectacle.

Speak The Truth was sent out favourite given his previous good form and he is well remembered for his brave second to Leap To Fame in last year’s Inter Dominion Final.

TIMS A TROOPER AND SPEAK THE TRUTH 11 APR REPLAY

Adam Sanderson didn’t have much trouble finding the early lead and more or less dictated the pace in front. Tims A Trooper was back in fifth but his driver Jack Chapple followed up Hector to come off the fence to take a one out and one back trail.

Speak The Truth upped the tempo in the final lap and looked the likely winner even as Tims A Trooper pulled out three wide to issue a challenge.

But Tims A Trooper showing that typical resilience we’ve seen of him in his career continued to plug away and right near the line he appeared to hit the front. But Speak The Truth fought back to earn a dead heat.

Tims A Trooper has always lived in the shadow of his illustrious stable mate Leap To Fame but he’s still proved to be a great moneyspinner for his owner Kevin Seymour having had over 20 wins in his career including the Redcliffe Derby, and the two year New South Wales Breeders Challenge Final.

Both Tims A Trooper and Speak The Truth are likely entrants for this year’s Inter Dominion and while it would seem that they won’t trouble Leap To Fame they certainly should acquit themselves as worthy contenders for Queensland and be prominent throughout the series.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink