by Graeme White
VICTORIAN trained two-year-olds claimed the opening heats of the 2017 Alabar Breeders Challenge series at Wagga on Tuesday night.
The favourite Little Peanut won the colts and geldings division in smart fashion for trainer-driver Greg Sugars while Sounds Of Terror caused an upset taking out the fillies heat for Anton Golino and local driver Cameron Hart.
Sugars was in a similar predicament a few years ago when he guided the then rising star Sushi Sushi to victory in a Breeders Challenge heat at Wagga.
Little Peanut is one of three pacers he trains himself in between his busy driving schedule.
“He is no Sushi Sushi but a nice two-year-old who will go on to the semi finals at Menangle,” Sugars said.
Little Peanut is raced by a group of five who hail from Newcastle and Grafton.
The owners also raced and bred the winner’s half-brother, Youranut, who won 14 races.
Little Peanut settled in fifth place and when asked to extend gathered in Sword And Shield for his third win from five starts.
Although second past the finish line, Sword And Shield was relegated to third when Stone Cracker’s driver David Hewitt lodged a successful protest.
Sounds Of Terror made the six hour trip from Cardigan in Victoria worth the effort when she claimed her first win at her third start.
The fillies’ heat looked in the keeping of the favourite Man Hands until she galloped at the 300 metres presenting a run through for Sounds Of Terror.
The winner is owned and was bred by Yabby Dam Farms which races a large number of trotters and fewer pacers.
Sounds Of Terror provided Junee reinsman Cameron Hart with his biggest career victory in the $15,000 race.
He was impressed with the manner the youngster extended when called on.
“She finished off really well. We had a bit of luck when the favourite galloped but she was travelling well at the time and won nicely,” he said.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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