Anderson was having just his second drive of the season in the amateur ranks - only his fifth raceday drive overall - and he had made sure he had every possible chance of a win by entering Montecrengle as a $5000 claimer in the amateur drivers' 2600m mobile pace.
Almost everything went to plan for Anderson and the Christian Cullen gelding as he sent the 6yr-old to the lead from the mobile arm and said goodbye to his rivals with 400m to go.
The only hitch in the plan? Montecrengle was claimed by Craig Kennett, of Waimate, meaning Anderson did not get to take the horse back home last night.
''I was under a bit of pressure from some of my owners and friends because the horse looked a good thing,'' he said.
''The old joke was only a bad drive could get it beaten.''
It was far from a bad drive though, as Anderson picked up the lead quite easily and ran the field ragged, pacing an impressive 3.15.4 for the 2600m.
''He had to lead. He was the best horse by a long way and we did a few little things during the week which helped him.''
Anderson will be sad to see the pacer go, after connections of the stable claimed him for $10,000 in early May.
''It's a shame to see him go in some ways, but when they go 3.15 on a cold day here, it's a pretty good time for an old claiming race.''
Montecrengle earned $7081 (including driving fees) in his six starts for Anderson and co-trainer Amber Hoffman.
''We get $5000 back, so the purpose has been served, really.''
Anderson was wondering if the amateur driving caper was worth it after his previous drive in the pouring rain at Oamaru last month.
''I had that one on Graceandtemika a couple of weeks back which really was an abysmal effort and I was going to retire after that.''
