Trainer Graeme Anderson added to the long list of horses’ careers he has revitalised at Westwood Beach when Vin Scully scored at Oamaru yesterday.
The pacer brought dismal form to his first start for Anderson and training partner Mike Love’s stable but it did not show when he powered home to win.
"He has had a few soreness problems but when their coats start to shine and they are starting to look good you know you’re getting on top of them," the trainer said.
"We just did our own thing down at the beach with him. We didn’t take him to any trials or anything.
"We didn’t overtax him or anything. We have just tried to keep him happy and feeling good."
Vin Scully’s form reversal for the Cockies With Principals syndicate was helped by a pinpoint drive by Matthew Williamson.
Williamson found a sweet spot in the one-one before launching the 6yr-old for his run on the home turn.
"He did get a nice run with Matty getting him into the one-one," Anderson said.
"But the best part about it was he attacked the line."
Vin Scully is nominated to race on Northern Southland Cup Day at Ascot Park on Saturday.
Whether he can still run in race 2 will depend on how many handicapping points he is allocated for yesterday’s win.
Anderson and Love also have Tres Chic entered in race 10.
The 5-year-old reverts to mobile racing after galloping away in her last start in the Waikouaiti Cup.
Tres Chic produced two excellent wins in her two previous starts, both from behind the mobile.
Mosgiel trainer Craig Buchan turned around the fortunes of Top Pocket Chance immediately after Vin Scully’s win.
The trotter bounced back to his best after battling to find his best form over summer courtesy of an aggressive drive from Sarah O’Reilly.
O’Reilly took the pacer turned trotter to the front in the middle stages before he cleared out to win by a length and a-half.
The junior driver made it a double when winning the next event with Buckskin.
Amber Hoffman contributed to a successful day for Otago trainers with two wins.
She combined with driver Jonny Cox to score with Tangier Tango and Aveross Spitfire.
- By Jonny Turner
