Volstead mare on her best behaviour in Free For All win

Trainer Antii Ruokonen celebrated a Quinella when the mares that he trains No Money No Honey (Volstead) and Keayang Kurki fought out the finish in that order in the IRT Mares Trotters Free For All at Melton on Saturday night.

It was a bold drive by Glen Craven which was the attributable factor in No Money No Honey’s success. Keayang Kurki showed dazzling early speed to take up the front running. The usually reliable Adelaide Red broke up after the start going back into the field.

Once in front it appeared that Keayang Kurki would be the one to beat but Craven had other ideas. Outsider Centurion Dream had the sit behind the leader. No sooner had the field settled then No Money No Honey let burst with a quick sprint and went past Keayang Kurki whose driver Jason Lee then had the task of having to follow No Money No Honey.

NO MONEY NO HONEY 25 JULY REPLAY

Keayang Kurki set out after No Money No Honey on the final bend but she had a habit of running out wide but No Money No Honey seemed to stumble in the closing stages but she kept going to hold off Keayang Kurki by a neck with Centurion Dream a distant third.

Ruokonen hasn’t had No Money No Honey for that as she was previously prepared by Jess Tubbs who still races the four year old mare. No Money No Honey was bred by Yabby Dam Farms.

Glen Craven stated after the event.

There was a bit of gait speed on the front line and it was a matter of sitting on her early and once the dust settled we were able to work around to the front. She likes to be doing her own thing. We had a little bubble up the straight. Luckily we just saved her and she’s done a great job. She’s been pretty bombproof at home and Jess (Tubbs) would tell you the same thing. That’s one thing she’s always been good working at home. Obviously we’ve just changed a few things.

 

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink