By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
Despite having the toughest of trips, Miki Bennett produced a powerhouse performance to highlight last night’s meeting at Addington.
Driven by Nikita Burton, the Always B Miki five-year-old was last at the 800 in the Ladies’ Night 13 June Book Now Junior Drivers Mobile Pace.
But Burton was unphased. She launched at the 600 metres and was forced five and six wide around the home turn before overhauling the leaders to win by nearly two lengths. Miki Bennett covered the last 800 in 57.7, the last 400 in 28.6.
Jack Tar and Social Distancing, who had also been back in the field, did well to fill the minors with the favourite and early pace-setter Gladys Greenland fading to eighth.
“Credit to the horse – he went huge,” said Burton to Harness Unhinged’s Nigel Armstrong post race, “I kinda had to keep on going and hope for the best.”
Trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer, it was Miki Bennett’s fifth win in 35 starts though he had failed to finish top three in eight starts since his last win at Oamaru last September.
“He dug so deep and he did it quite easy in the end. He pricked his ears at the line,” said Burton.
Employed by Stonewall Stud, Burton is in her first year of driving. It was her fourth win in 33 starts.
Robbie Close also had a great night with three wins. He drove Lily’s A Star and Hes Santas Excuse to give John McDermott a training double both at double figure odds. He also won with Monarch Prince for John Howe.
“John’s had a good night tonight, he doesn’t mind lining them up and he deserves all his success,” Close said post race.
McDermott was similarly in praise of Close’s efforts.
“It was a brilliant drive by Robbie – a top drive.”
