Westwood Beach trotter Da Moons Mission continued his sire’s perfect record when scoring a narrow maiden victory at Oamaru on Saturday.
The 4yr-old by One Over Da Moon produced a late burst of speed to win on debut for trainer Graeme Anderson and driver Matthew Williamson.
Da Moons Mission is the second foal to step out at the races by former group 1 performer and well-travelled racehorse One Over Da Moon.
His first is smart three-win Canterbury trotter One Apollo.
Da Moons Mission’s chances of adding to his sire’s record were not flash three months ago. His breeders and co-owners, Lex and Heather Williams, were given veterinary advice that the horse’s career prospects were bleak.
That prompted a move from Paul Nairn’s Canterbury stable to Anderson’s Westwood Beach barn, where the trotter has thrived.
"He has been here about eight weeks now and he is getting better all the time," Anderson said.
"It was a good effort to win on Saturday.
"Da Moons Mission had to come ‘‘from four back on the fence and get around a few in the straight, so he did well".
Da Moon’s Mission’s large group of owners have waited patiently for the 4yr-old to step out at the races.
Anderson predicts that if they continue their steady approach it will pay off again.
"He is quite a big, rangy horse. He will be better with more time," Anderson said.
"Anything he is doing at the moment is a bit of a bonus, really.
"I like him. He has got a bit of a future."
Williamson also won two heats of the Family Feud Driving Series on Saturday. However, he and brother Brad could not clinch the series.
Northerners Zachary and Benjamin Butcher proved consistency counts when winning the invited drivers’ competition, which was previously run as the Brothers In Arms Drivers Series, without winning a heat.
They amassed 65 points, beating sisters Sheree and Kerryn Tomlinson, who were second with 61 points, with the Williamson brothers third with 60 points.
Benjamin Butcher drove Refine into second placing behind Futura Easton, who scored a front-running win for Matthew Williamson.
Zachary was seventh in heat one behind Betstars Blue Jean.
Matthew Williamson also won heat two of the competition with Only One Way.
The Butchers were out of the placings, with Zachary finishing fifth with Sugar Can and Benjamin finishing seventh with Moniburns.
The brothers picked up more points when Zachary finished second with Markham Eyre and Benjamin finished third with Goodthingstaketime in heat three.
That race was won by Gotta Party Doll for fellow northern driver Sailesh Abernethy, who teamed with his brother Jay.
The Butchers sealed their victory when Zachary and Donegal Gilbert finished fourth and Benjamin finished ninth with Sheeza Sport in heat four.
The race was won by Three Ideas and Craig Thornley, who competed alongside brother Chris.
Final points: Zachary and Benjamin Butcher (North Island) 65, Sheree and Kerryn Tomlinson (SI) 61, Matthew and Brad Williamson (SI) 60, Jay and Sailesh Abernethy (SI) 50, Gerard and Leo O’Reilly (SI) 41, Craig and Chris Thornley (SI) 35.
