Big targets ahead for Bet N Win

By Michael Guerin

David White hopes Queensland harness racing bosses were watching Addington last night.

Because if they were it is hard to see how Bet N Win won’t be one of the first horses invited to the new A$150,000 Haras De Trotteurs Great Square at Albion Park on July 8.

Bet N Win justified his hot favouritism by winning easier than the margin suggested in the Future Wealth Sires’ Stakes Aged Classic on Thursday night, only getting clear from his trailing position late to charge up the passing lane and roar past a very brave Mighty Logan.

It was Bet N Win’s first start since winning at Alexandra Park on New Year’s Eve yet he broke 3:18 for the 2600m and was only getting a head of steam up in the last 50m, racing well clear of his rivals after the line like a horse enjoying his work.

It was a lovely bit of training from White and his wife Stacey to produce the four-year-old to trot a open class horse’s time with only one trial under his belt.

“It helps when you have a horse like this to work with,” says David White modestly.

“He has always given us the feel of a good horse and now he is maturing he trots a good horse’s times effortlessly.

“We are thrilled to have him and a great bunch of owners and on nights like this having that big group makes it even more fun.”

His next aim is the Uncut Gems at Addington in two weeks but his main target for his first half of 2024 has been the new A$150,000 Great Square right since it was announced.

“It is the perfect race for him, being a three and four-year-old trot,” says White.

“We’d love to get an invite for that so hopefully a few people from Queensland were watching tonight.

“I think there is a $30,000 trot the week beforehand and the the Great Square and then another good trot and the $150,000 open class trot.

“The Great Square would be our major aim if invited but we’d be keen to stay for all of them.”

The Whites only train three horses as David’s main role is as one of the managers of Stonewall Stud’s huge South Island operation.

“I love it,” he enthuses.

“What Stocky (Steve Stockman, Stonewall principal) is doing and the money he is investing is unbelievable and we are so proud to be having such a great season.

“Stacey and I try to get a horse of our own every year to go on with and she is a huge part of what we do.

“We simply wouldn’t have some of the great owners in this horse without her because she is so good with the communication side.”

While Bet N Win left Addington with the giant red “follow me” flashing light above his head it was one of Addington’s old favourites in Mighty Looee who provided the other highlight of the night.

The relentless pacer recorded the 16th win of his career by surging to the lead early and then pacing a 1:56.1 mile rate and his last 800m in 55.8 seconds to never look in danger of defeat.