By Brigette Solomon, HRNZ
Clevedon-based trainer-driver Matthew White scored a winning double at Cambridge Raceway last night, from his only two drives on the night.
White had just one starter from his own stable, Power N Glory and then drove Iron Brigade to victory for Steve and Amanda Telfer.
“I was really pleased to get the win with this filly,” says White of his success with Power N Glory in the Trot Into Tuesdays, Win Your Share of $5k Mobile Pace over 2200 metres.
“It’s been a long road to get her to the races and the owners have been very patient and supportive.”
Drawn slightly wide (6), Power N Glory was initially caught three wide early before moving forward to sit parked. With around 600 metres to run, White started his run and quickly levelled with the pace-setting Cathy Freeman. Upon straightening Power N Glory was too good, running on to her maiden victory two lengths ahead of the second placed Conrad H.
“Being out parked wasn’t ideally where I wanted to be, but I was happy enough she’d be able to pick them up when the time came and she did it comfortably,” said White, “we’ve had a couple of setbacks with her due to injuries but she’s a nicely bred filly who we thought was worth persevering with, so we are really pleased for the owners to see her pick up a win so quickly.”
“One of her owners, Carol Goodley, also won the on-course $250 cash prize so had a great night out at the trots!”
Power N Glory is out of well performed mare Breath Of Life, making her a full sister to the multiple Group one-winning Fight For Glory.
White’s second driving success was with Iron Brigade taking out Race four, the Betavet Buildagut Mobile Pace over 1700 metres.
The three-year-old gelding started fresh up from the extreme outside of the barrier with White settling him back to the tail of the field after dispatch. A slow tempo early was followed by a strong last half and White was able to follow Cracker Rock three wide from the 600 metre mark before being forced wider into the home turn. Upon straightening Iron Brigade let down to storm home to win by half a length over Red Rackham and Precious Bet.
“I initially thought the slow tempo early on in the race could have made picking them up a bit tough for us,” said White, “but the pace picked up from the 800 metre mark and he wound up nicely for a strong fresh up win.”
Also by Art Major, Iron Brigade is another from a well performed family, being the son of Trigirl Brigade.
