Race replay: David Butcher and Anditover winning the Mish's Delish Graze Handicap Trot
It was a successful night at the office for David Butcher at Cambridge Raceway last Wednesday night, with the local horseman taking out both trotting events.
Butcher kicked off proceedings in the second race on the card when he reined home the Ross Paynter-trained Anditover to win the Mish’s Delish Graze Handicap Trot (2200m).
The three-year-old son of Andover Hall stepped away well from the front mark to take an early lead, where he remained throughout, despite veering out when entering the home turn for the first time.
He stuck on gallantly in the home straight to win by a neck over race favourite Lukyanova, with a further 1-1/4 lengths back to Ain’t No Princess in third.
It was the second win in just three career starts for Anditover and Butcher believes he will improve with time.
“It was a good run, he still needs to learn,” he said. “He’s only had a couple of starts, he will get better with time.”
Butcher donned his own colours later in the night behind consistent square-gaiter Need Luck in the Michelle MacDonald Your Image Consultant Handicap Trot (2700m).
The five-year-old gelding made a solid start from his 20m back mark and Butcher was able to navigate his charge into the one-one early on in proceedings, where he remained throughout.
The son of Great Success made light work of his opposition in the concluding stages of the race, winning by 3-3/4 lengths over pacemaker Safrakova.
“We just managed to end up in the right place at the right time,” Butcher said.
“They had a few scratchings which made it a bit easier off the 20m mark and he got the trip that he liked.”
It was the third win this year for Need Luck and the fifth of his career. Butcher said he was pleased with how his trotter was performing, particularly with the gelding’s close association with his late father John.
“He’s done a good job,” Butcher said. “He’s nothing startling, but he’s a good honest horse and always gives his best every time he lines up.
“Dad bought him as a weanling before he passed, he wanted a trotter. I share in the ownership and it’s good for Mum too, it gives her a bit of interest.” - Cambridge Raceway
