Nigel McGrath's affection for Ascot Park went to new level on Saturday.
Not only did he and Ears Burning add the $40,000 Northern Southland Cup to the Classie Brigade's $32,000 Invercargill Cup in January, but debut runner Dizzy Miss Lizzy added the $25,000 Two year old fillies Classic.
“The stake money's great down here.” McGrath observed.
Back on Boxing Day, McGrath produced Classie Brigade to win the Ashburton Cup from his stablemates, Maverick and Ears Burning. He was reluctant to discuss whether their finishing order that day represented where they stood on the pecking order but pleased with the way racing at that level had developed the less experienced Ears Burning.
“Racing in the better fields has toughened him, especially mentally,” he said.
Its just over 12 months since Ears Burning began racing. He won his first two and the second was a C1 at this meeting last year. McGrath drove the son of Grinfromeartoear himself and has never left the sulky. He maintains though that it doesn't indicate any favourtism.
“When I drive one I like to stay with them” McGrath explained.
From one off the front on Saturday, McGrath allowed Robs Ideal from three to cross him after the start but then quickly went round to lead himself. Short-lived though because with 1950 metres to go, John Dunn took Captain Dolmio to the front. Ears Burning trailed him to the turn. By then, Titan Banner was on terms with Captain Dolmio and the passing lane was waiting for Ears Burning.
“I was going so well I decided not to wait,” said McGrath who came three wide and grabbed Titan Banner in the shadows of the post. His 3:22.1 was just two seconds outside Isaiah's race and track record.
Ears Burning is raced by Dave, Kath and Stu Rankin, along with Ian Rule. Rankin Bloodstock and Rule bred Ears Burning whose dam Sparks Under Fire is a half sister to the international winner Sparks A Flyin. The Rankins, McGrath said, had been good supporters of his with the six-winner Dave Star, whose first win was on debut at Ashburton in June 2002, kicking it off.
The Yaldhurst Hotel sponsored Northern Southland Cup was a group three race, as was the Alabar New Zealand Caduceus Club of Southland two year old fillies Classic won by Dizzy Miss Lizzy. The well grown filly, in the hands of Blair Orange, was in front after 400 metres and completely dominant.
“That she is so big is a bit concerning but she is holding up and you can't do better than win,” McGrath said. “She has done everything I've asked of her.”
Saturday's race was a qualifier for the Sires Stakes and McGrath intends to have the filly in Auckland next month for the Magness Benrow final.
Dizzy Miss Lizzy was a $19,000 purchase at last year's premier sale by Peter and Karen Boag. They operate a 485 hectare sheep and cattle farm in the Greta Valley. Peter said he had a background in harness racing through his father, also Peter Boag, who raced horses with the 'Unique' prefix.
“I had two goes as a junior driver (in 1993),” he added.
Ownership was recent, they said, with My Wee Man at Rangiora in January, trained and driven by McGrath, their first winner. The Boags bought Good Day Sunshine, a Bettors Delight half-sister to Dizzy Miss Lizzy, for $20,000 at this year's premier sale, and are breeding from the mare Unique And Famous.
Mac Henry
