The Friday Fallout: Lord Willoughby A True Marvel
16 June, 2018
Harness
Durable four-year-old Lord Willoughby has established himself as one of the most consistent pacers in Western Australia, after he recorded his 12th win from 49 starts at Gloucester Park last night in the Princi Smallgoods Handicap (2503m).
Last night’s victory also made it 22 consecutive starts the gelding had finished inside the top three, a streak that started last December.
The Ross Olivieri-trained gelding was starting off a 10m handicap in the Standing Start event, and was forced to go back to the tail of the field in the early stages.
Driver Shannon Suvaljko then made an early move to get outside the leader Bettor Scoot, who was a short price favourite.
On the final lap, Lord Willoughby had the favourite’s measure, but had to withstand a late challenge from I’m Master Charlie, to win by a half-head.
Meanwhile, star three-year-old Jack Mac’s unbeaten run in Perth has come to an end, after he was defeated by Bettor Aim last night.
The colt, who had won nine straight races since coming to Western Australia from New Zealand last year, started a $1.50 favourite, but was expected to encounter stiff competition from another former New Zealand pacer Bettor Aim.
Bettor Aim was able to find the lead from barrier six, while Jack Mac eventually was able to get to his outside on the penultimate lap.
The pair cleared out from the rest of the field in the home straight, but it was Bettor Aim who went home a little bit stronger than Jack Mac.
Meanwhile, Bettors Fire made it four wins from his last five starts, taking out the Princi Smallgoods Salami Pace (2130m).
The race was overshadowed by Shandale’s fall in the home straight, but the Mike Reed-trained pacer is expected to make a full recovery.
Tim Walker
Photo: Scott Hamilton Media