Butts Feeling Good Downunder
Mr Feelgood is now officially a World Champion - the former North American star claimed Australasia's biggest prize by downing local champion Blacks A Fake and Karloo Mick in Saturday's million dollar Watpac Inter Dominion Pacing Grand Final
at the Gold Coast in a thrilling finish.
The victory of Mr Feelgood tonight is a triumph for the code in general. Purchased late last year by a Australian syndicate spearheaded by Queensland businessman Kevin Seymour primarily for this series, Mr Feelgood added the international flavour to the carnival.
Mr Feelgood was placed into the care of leading New Zealand conditioners Tim and Anthony Butt, as yet, Mr Feelgood is yet to step foot in New Zealand with the Grinfromeartoear stallion flying directly to Australia.
Mr Feelgood kicked off his "downunder" campaign in Victoria and struck instantly with victories in the Shepparton and Hunter Cups under the standing start conditions.
Directly after his Hunter Cup victory, Mr Feelgood was flown north by his connections with the Gold Coast series the major focus.
Starting off a second line draw tonight, Mr Feelgood was expertly driven by Anthony Butt who managed to place the stallion on the back of iron tough Dubbo pacer Karloo Mick with just over a lap remaining.
As expected, Blacks A Fake led the way with favourite Auckland Reactor pouring on the pressure with a fast tempo being set.
The lead time for the 2609m journey was a strong 72.3 seconds with the first quarter of the last mile recorded in 29.2, Blacks A Fake travelled comfortably whilst Auckland Reactor became fierce and started fighting driver Gavin Lang.
The second quarter was timed in 30 seconds and the moves began from back in the field with Karloo Mick commencing the three wide line with Mr Feelgood hot on his hammer.
The hot speed continued with the third posted in 28.5 and amazingly Auckland Reactor was the first horse beaten, Blacks A Fake turned in front with Karloo Mick seriously challenging and that's when Anthony Butt pulled a masterstroke move by angling back to the inside.
At the line, it was Mr Feelgood who edged out Blacks A Fake and denied him a piece of history with Karloo Mick a gallant third in a gripping finish.
(To view the race, click here.)
The overall time was 3.09.1 with the mile rate posted in 1:56.3 which smashed the previous track record.
Mr Feelgood is raced by Kevin and Kay Seymour, Peter O'Shea and Clinton Payne. The 2006 Little Brown Jug winner was bred in North America by Kentucky's Brittany Farms.
The victory of Mr Feelgood also provided Tim and Anthony Butt with their first Inter Dominion Pacing Grand Final although they have claimed the Trotting Grand Finals on three occasions through the deeds of champion squaregaiters Lyell Creek and Take A Moment (twice).
(ID09)
Auckland Reactor may have
Auckland Reactor may have finished last in the Inter Dominion but the Kiwi champion did have an excuse.
I was fortunate enough to be at the $1 million final on Australia's Gold Coast and what many of the scribes have failed to report is the reason why Auckland Reactor was served up a unwinable drive. Auckland Reactor kicked his sulky rest after the start and then became uncontrollable for his driver Gavin Lang in the middle satges of the race. He eventually chocked down and finished tailed off.
"Blacky" Blacks A Fake was so brave in defeat, Changeover had the hard luck story getting caught in a traffic jam at a vital stage of the race which could have cost it victory but take nothing away from the winning performance, Mr Feelgood was an oustanding and worthy victor.