Da Vinci caps off great season

Bruce Stewart Contributor

The Wyndham trained Da Vinci (Art Major) won his sixth race today at the Gore Harness Racing Club’s Christmas meeting.

“He’s done a good job winning a couple of races in Canterbury and has been really good in his last two,” trainer driver Craig Ferguson said after the win.

In today’s Cardrona Distillery Stakes for three year olds Ferguson used Da Vinci’s gate speed and from barrier six he sped to an early lead before handing up to the Mark Jones trained and driven Major Torque.

“He was a little bit green in front. He’s never raced there before. He was shying at a few things, and I thought Mark’s horse was a good one to follow. He was good enough to get us where we needed to be so it worked out well.”

Ferguson tracked Major Torque up until the passing lane and once there he polished off his opposition, beating Major Torque by a length and a half, running the 2200 metres in 2-41.8 with the last half run in 56 seconds.

Da Vinci and Craig Ferguson speed up the passing lane (Bruce Stewart Photo)

“He’s more of a speed horse than a stayer so if you drive him for one run, he’s pretty good like that.”

Ferguson says Da Vinci who’s owned by Paul and Brendon Duffy, will continue to race into the new season.

“We’ll keep him ticking over because he’s only been lightly raced this time in and he seems to be handling it well.”

Winning connections (Bruce Stewart Photo)

This season’s training tally of thirty four winners is a PB for the Wyndham horseman and his UDR is an exceptional .5364.

“I’ve got some nice horses and good staff which makes it a bit easier. The highlight for me is being able to go up to Canterbury and being able to compete up there. We pride ourselves on being able to target races and set our horses for those races.”