Sky Patrol clears maidens

Bruce Stewart Journalist

The Tony Stratford trained five year old gelding Sky Patrol (Sky Major) cleared harness racing maiden ranks at Ascot Park today.

The gelding went three wide early and was allowed to get into rhythm before driver Matty Williamson took him to the front as the field headed down the back straight for the first time. From there the Oamaru reinsman dictated the pace and Sky Patrol went down to the line to win by two and a quarter lengths from Diamondsonmyshoes. 

Sky Patrol winning for Matty Williamson (Bruce Stewart Photo)

“It was good to see him do a bit early, kick on and win with a bit in hand. I’m not sure whether the opposition was vintage and he’ll need to step up, but it’s all positive,” Stratford said.

Sky Patrol was initially trained by one of his owners Chris Gerken before Stratford took over.

“He was flat getting onto the track for a start and he’s far more tractable. He’s a bolshie big bugger and Chris is not getting much younger (smile on the face). He was probably training himself because he’s a bit full on. He’s settled in well at home and most of his runs since he’s been there have been good. He’s got a drop of speed, so I’m sure there’s another one there.”

One of Sky Patrol’s owners Dennis Todd held a trainer’s licence for a number of years training eleven winners. Explicit which won three, was the best horse he trained and his last winner was Big Mac D at the Northern Southland meeting in 2006.