Blanchards score Cambridge treble

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Peter and Vaughan Blanchard went home from Cambridge Raceway happy men on Thursday night after recording a treble on the 10-race card.

The father-and-son training partnership kicked the night off in style when Matai Louis took out the Tote Burger Open For Race Meetings Mobile Pace (2200m) in the hands of junior reinswoman Monika Ranger.

“He is a horse I have always had a lot of time for,” Vaughan Blanchard said.

“He has developed into a lovely big horse and Monika Ranger handled him really well.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Zev Meredith who had driven him in his first couple of runs this prep and looked after him well.”

Later on the card, Cyclone Lucky Linda secured a double for the South Auckland barn when she stormed home late to win the What The Hill At Woodlands Stud Mobile Pace (2200m) by 2-1/2 lengths in the hands of Zachary Butcher. 

Blanchard was pleased to get the win after her two previous placings and he said there is plenty in store for the daughter of Father Patrick.

“She can be a little bit fragile at times and she has got quite a big campaign lined up. The plan was to drive her cold tonight and she had enough speed to get over the top of them,” he said.

“Next week she has got a RATTO, which we have been aiming for, and she has got a few mares races at the end of the year and start of the new year.”

While pleased with his previous wins, the most rewarding victory of the night for Blanchard came in the last when Cyclone Lebron broke through for his maiden win at the 32nd time of asking in the Quiz Night At The Clubhouse Every Wednesday Trot (2200m).

“He is an honest wee tradesman when he does everything right,” Blanchard said.

“He got a good trip tonight and Zach drove him well."

“It is a huge credit to the owners for persevering. Aaron Lowe has been very loyal to us and it was great to train a double on the night for him."

Zachary Butcher drove three winners on the night, with Frankie Major, and then the two Cyclones, Lucky Linda and Lebron.