There are some useful bowlers in the Bluff Bowling Club syndicate - but their choices in racehorses aren't too bad either.
The syndicate went seeking a replacement for talented trotter Bet's Best after the eight-race winner broke down earlier this season, ending her career - then along came Livy Franco.
The Lis Mara mare is only a recent arrival to Nathan Williamson's Ryal Bush stable, syndicate member Bruce Beaton explained.
''We just bought this one a month ago [from Spreydon Lodge] and we've had two wins in a row now - we're rapt.''
But as Beaton reels off the other horses the syndicate has raced, you start to wonder how a bunch of bowlers - who began the syndicate just to have a bet at the bowling club - can keep striking equine gold.
The syndicate did not start off perfectly, as it leased Bel Cardo Star, who suffered from a throat problem, but its fortunes improved when leading driver Dexter Dunn sourced Capitol Drive for the 12-strong syndicate.
''We had to act quick, so we bought it straight away and it won three straight away for us, so we've just been lucky,'' Beaton said.
''Capitol Drive has funded the whole lot. We got five wins out of that and we sold that to Aussie for $19,000.
''We own a half share in Ted West and a half-share in Bet's Best and we own the whole of this one.''
Livy Franco is unbeaten from two starts after winning at Gore on debut on October 12 then following up with a win over a mile in 1.59.8 on Sunday at the Tuapeka meeting at Forbury Park.
The 4yr-old may eventually join Bet's Best as a broodmare for the syndicate. The latter is likely to be sent to stud next year.
''[Livy Franco's] looking that way now, too, isn't she?''The success of the syndicate has meant a few more road trips than the bowlers could have imagined before diving into horse ownership.
''We went to Christchurch for Bet's Best and this is the first time I've been [at Forbury Park].. It's quite cool.''
