Aldebaran Floss breaks winning drought in style

By Dave Di Somma Harness News Desk

Megan Swain was more than a little chuffed when driving home from the Ashburton races yesterday.

She'd just seen Aldebaran Floss dominate the Rosebank Life Care Mobile Trot, leading from start to finish for Sam Ottley.

"I was a bit worried when she kicked clear at the 600 but I was stoked alright," Swain says.

Aldebaran Floss flew the gate from a wide draw (9) and pressed on to the lead, and never really looked like getting beaten. She paid $12.70 and $3.50.

Before yesterday Alderbaran Floss' last win was nearly three years ago in the Group 2 New Zealand Trotting Oaks at Addington in March 2021 for trainer Murray Alfeld.

She had six more starts for him in 2021 before before being sidelined for nearly two years.

Swain took over the training "for a change of scenery" and Alderaban Floss debuted for her with a ninth in the Group 3 Fillies and Mares' Stakes at Oamaru behind Resolve in September 2023.

"She has had all sorts of niggles - she had a bone chip taken out and some wear and tear - she had a lot of time out," says Swain.

"On her day she's a smart trotter but getting her 100 per cent sound has not been an easy task."

And that's what made yesterday so special.

"It was rewarding, that's for sure."

"And to have a good friend in Sam Ottley driving was great too."

As for the future?

"She'll stick to the mobiles and head to Addington next week."

"She is also in foal (to Majestic Son) and we get the two week scan on Saturday."