Kilmore should be congratulated for supporting the young drivers at their August 1 meeting and 17-year-old Reagan Clarke was successful in landing the 2180m Jet Roofing Concessional Drivers Pace aboard in-form three year old Rock N Roll HeavenIsabelle Delacour gelding Monsieur Flamel trained at Ross Creek (Ballarat) by father Stephen who bred and races him. Fast away from gate five, Monsieur Flamel led throughout to easily account for Treacheroustimes (gate four) which trailed by 8.3 metres. Platinum Jive (one/three from the extreme draw) came of a three wide trail last lap on the back of Salsboy (one/two) for third three metres away. The mile rate 2-00.9.
Reagan was to also taste victory in the Georgina & Co Concession Drivers Pace with strong 7Y0 Art Major-Askmenow gelding Forgone Conclusion. Settling three back in the moving line as Stellar Queen led from gate two, Forgone Conclusion angled three wide at the bell gradually creeping forward to tackle the leaders. Surging clear on the final bend, Forgone Conclusion raced away to record a 9.3 metre margin in 2-04.8 from Very Tempting (one/one) which dropped down to the sprint lane on turning. Icanmotor (one/three) after following the winner home was third 2.4 metres back.
Bannockburn trainer Geoff Webster and stable reinsman Connor Clarke were successful in taking the 1690 metre Hip Pocket Workwear 2Y0 Pace with The Villain who certainly wasn’t on this occasion. Given a easy time three back in the moving line from gate three as Stormy Woods (gate four) crossed first starter Exclusive Hunter (gate two), The Villain (three wide solo last lap) did a good job to hold off G B Brave (one/one) which followed him home by 2.1 metres in a mile rate of 1-59.3. Exclusive Hustler used the sprint lane for third finishing a half head away.
The standing start trotting races are always exciting at Kilmore and the 2150 metre Beraldo Coffee Trotters Handicap was no exception. On what was a great night for the Clarke family, as both Connor and Reagan landed a double and Stephen three when 4Y0 Angus Hall-Countess Angelina gelding Sugar Daddy was victorious. In what was the ‘drive of the night’ by Connor, Sugar Daddy began safely from barrier three to go forward and take the lead away from Tetra shortly after the start, but when challenged by Majestic Connies after a fast beginning from 10 metres, wisely gave the front running away before pulling around him immediately to once again pilot the field. Given an easy time, Sugar Daddy couldn’t be caught, greeting the judge by 2.4 metres in advance of Salski (20m one/three – three wide last lap), with Soso Majestic (30m) third a head away. The mile rate 2-05.8.