By Jordyn Bublitz
It was appropriate that Jay Abernethy’s ever reliable trotter Eagle Hanover got her Winter Reward at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday night.
“She’s an EFTPOS machine – she gets a cheque every week,” Abernethy told Track Chat’s Jo Ferguson post race.
The five-year-old mare was three back the fence early in the first of the night’s four $20,000 Winter Rewards races before Abernethy went to the parked position and then surged to the lead at the 400, winning by two lengths.
Eagle Hanover hasn’t finished worse than fifth in her last 13 starts. It was her seventh win in 84 starts and took her career earnings over $100,000.
Tytate (R4) and Very Majestic (R5) took out the next two Winter Rewards races before Aquila delivered for Zev Meredith and loyal owner Kenny Baynes in Race 6, the Blokes Nite Skyline Lounge, 18 Sept Winter Rewards Mobile Pace.
Aquila showed gate-speed early for driver Josh Dickie to slide forward and land in the trail behind the pace-setting Auctioneer. From there, she enjoyed a dream trip before dashing up the passing lane in the home straight to score the victory.
Meredith was upbeat about the mare’s chances heading into the race, buoyed by her recent efforts in stronger company.
“Her Auckland form made me confident enough to think we were a chance, and with her gate-speed I knew we’d be handy early,” he said.
Despite his optimism Aquila was still 9/9 in the betting and paying $32 for the win.
“It was really nice to pick up a win, and for it to be $20,000 as well is a huge bonus.”
Currently operating out of Derek Balle’s barn in Pukekohe, Meredith has plans to expand further and set up in his own space soon. He’s grateful for the support of owners Kenny Baynes and Eddie Clarke, who are helping fuel the stable’s growth.
Looking ahead, Meredith has another one to watch for.
“There’s one here who is going to be a very nice horse and I think he’ll put the barn back on the map, Muchacho,” he said. “He’s a bit big and dumb but eventually he’ll be a really nice horse.”
Muchacho hasn’t had a start for Meredith yet after winning two from eight for Tony Stratford down south.
