The couple from Ohoka in North Canterbury have enjoyed a few wins at the Dunedin track over the years, their latest coming last night, thanks to their Armbro Invasion trotter Freefall.
The 6yr-old got to the lead early and trotted boldly throughout in the hands of trainer-driver Brent Borcoskie but, as Ernie Bailey explained, the mare's second win was a while in the making.
''We've had our share of problems with her,'' Bailey said.`She's a bad kicking sort of horse and she's had head problems - she's just awkward.
''She had wind problems too but she's come through those and trotting really solid now.''
Freefall is the only foal from Southern Crusader, who was a fan of Forbury Park herself.
The Britewell mare won four races, including two at Forbury Park, in August and September of 2004.
''She won one week and we won two races the next week with Gerard O'Reilly.''
The other winner for the Baileys at the September meeting was Gibbston, who was out of the same mare, Preface. Face Value, the winner of one race for Mosgiel trainer Craig Buchan, is another foal out of Preface.
Bailey is just happy to have Freefall back in good form after she had shown glimpses of her talent, winning at Westport in March.
''We won with her at Westport and she was in the form she was in now,'' he said.
''You know what trotters are like - they go in [to form], they go out [of form]. I've had trotters for 40 years, so ...
''The Baileys have also had luck at Forbury Park with pacers, including Bedlam who won in July 2011, and they will be back again in the future.
''Over the years, I've been coming down since I was 17, so I quite like it down here,'' Bailey said.
The Baileys have a Sundon mare at home to breed from along with a couple of pacers.
''Gail always reckons we have seven horses.''
Freefall might have been back in form, but not even Westwood Beach trainer Graeme Anderson was expecting a win with Bad Peach in a non-winners 2200m mobile pace.
Anderson said was as surprised as anyone to see Bad Peach fly late to score.
''She's hardly eaten a thing since she's been here,'' he said.
''I just trained her like a Badlands [Hanover] and put the pull-down blinds on, and that's it.''
Sage Creek will head to the spelling paddock as planned after his last-gasp win in the 2200m pace.
''Some of the c1s coming out in the next wee while could be a bit of an ask for him,'' his trainer, Mark Jones, said.
Lionels Meddle was claimed by Geoff Knight for $10,000 after finishing second behind Montecrengle while Cullen's Finest, who placed sixth, was claimed by Craig Kennett for $5000.
Lionels Meddle will be scratched from his engagement at Rangiora on Sunday, Knight said.
Lake View was claimed by Gavin Smith for $3500 after finishing fifth in the final event of the night.
