By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
Whispering Artist upset the apple cart at Cambridge Raceway on Friday night when downing short-priced favourite Jolimont in the www.alexandrapark.co.nz For All Your Bookings Mobile Pace (2200m).
The Art Major mare was first-up and despite her pleasing win in her 2050m workout a week prior, she was discounted by punters who let her drift out to be a $9 third favourite.
From her front-row draw driver Matthew White found the early one-one position with Whispering Artist, which they held until Sparkie looped the field to sit outside leader Jolimont at the bell.
With 600m to go White launched his charge three wide and they soon found themselves locked in a duel with Jolimont. The pair put a gap on their rivals and it wasn’t until the final 100m that the pair could be separated, with Whispering Artist getting the better of her rival and running out a 2-1/2 length victor.
“I was rapt with the run, being first-up after a nice trial last week,” said Gareth Hughes, who trains in partnership with his father Brian.
“She didn’t get a lot of luck in a couple of her starts last time in and she seems to have come back a little bit stronger and it showed tonight.”
Earlier on the card, stablemate Mandown posted a runner-up result behind Who’s Delight in The Alex Bar & Eatery Maiden Graduation Final (2200m) after getting the perfect trip in the trail throughout.
“The horse that won it is a smart type. We got the good trip but he went super,” Hughes said.
“I thought he would go a good race from the on draw (1). It was a good field but he had been racing well.”
Hughes will return to Cambridge Raceway on Sunday with just the one runner in The Beaudster who will contest the Judith Wrigley Memorial Mobile Pace (2200m).
“He trialled well last week and all things going well he should be thereabouts,” Hughes said.
“He has been an honest horse and is due one soon, he is knocking on the door.
“He should get a good trip from the draw (3). It is up to Matty (White, driver) but he has got a bit of gate speed if he wants to use it.”
