Speed Series Heat to Advance Party

Bruce Stewart Contributor

Winton trained harness racing mare Advance Party (Bettor’s Delight) won her fourth race at Ascot Park today when she took out the second heat of the Vetsouth Southern Belle Speed Series.

The Prices have won a handful of heats in the series which was first held in 2008, but to date they’ve not won a final.

Trained by Katrina and John Price and expertly handled by Nathan Williamson, the four year old trailed the leader Ideal Double and came up the passing lane to win by one and a half lengths.

“It is what you would describe as the perfect trip. She capitalised on the good trip so that was pleasing,” Katrina said.

“Her recent form has been a bit disappointing. To be fair we have been a bit kind on her. This is the first time she’s raced in three weeks. It’s been good for her because she seems a lot sharper today.”

Advance Party winning the second heat of the Southern Belle Speed Series (Bruce Stewart Photo)

Katrina says Advance Party won’t race for the next four weeks - until the next Southern Belle Heat.

Advance Party returning after winning at Ascot Park (Bruce Stewart Photo)

The timing of today’s win was perfect for the Winton breeders as they’re offering a full brother to Advance Party at the upcoming NZB Standardbred Yearling Sale in Christchurch.

“He’s my clear favourite. He’s very much in the mould of Republican Party. He’s got a terrific nature and a great attitude.”

Lot 136 Bettor's Delight - Democrat Party colt

Their second colt by Bettor’s Delight is out of four win Rock N Roll Heaven mare Rockabilly Blues, a daughter of broodmare gem Chicago Blues.

 Lot 268 Bettor's Delight - Rockabilly Blues colt

“He’s a mighty physical specimen.”

The couple have topped the Sales in the past with their pacing yearlings, but this year is the first time they’ve had three well-bred trotters in the catalogue.

They have a Father Patrick filly out of the four win Muscle Hill mare Maria Tsarina. It’s from a family that’s produced Galleons Sunset who won fourteen races including a Interdominion Trotters Grand Final and a Bill Collins Trotters Mile - both Group One races.

Another filly in the Price’s Bloodstock name is by What The Hill filly out of Allannah Hall. Her pedigree extends to two smart trotters, High Gait and High Energy.

Rounding out their trotting stock is a Majestic Son colt out of six win Muscle Hill mare Chevron Express which won the New Zealand Trotting Oaks and Hambletonian.

“We should be perhaps keeping the fillies, but these trotters have got to start earning some money so that’s why they’re at the Sales.”