Crunchie impresses on debut

By Mike Love 

Crunchie burst onto the scene when winning her debut in style at Orari yesterday.

Trained at West Melton by Denise Ottley, the three-year-old Captain Crunch filly was dominant in taking out the Golden Mile Motels And Tavern Pace.

After some hustle in the early stages from the standing start, Crunchie, driven by daughter Sam Ottley, made the lead. Crunchie sustained some mid-race pressure before showing some raw talent in booting away from the field, winning comfortably, casually clocking a 27.7 final quarter with a three length margin. 

“She did a good job, I was very proud of her,” said Denise Ottley.

“It blew me away when I heard she’d run a quarter in 27.” 

Crunchie qualified at Rangiora in April before being tipped out. She trialled twice before yesterday’s debut. 

Crunchie was bred by Raewyn Low, and is part-owned by Low and Ottley. 

“I broke her in and did a wee prep with her, then Raewyn broke her ankle and was out for about six months. So she asked if I’d like to do a 50/50 deal and train her. She was a handful, but always had ability and showed speed, so I’ve always liked her. She’d always shown that she’d win one pretty quick.” 

That the win was at Geraldine was also apt for the Ottleys. They both lived there before moving north. 

“She rates them very good in front,” said Ottley of Sam.

While it is Denise Ottley's 41st training success, Sam has established herself as the country's most successful female driver with 961 wins so far. Her first win was her very first race day drive with Nigel Paul, trained by her mum, on her 18th birthday. 

Crunchie will be having a few easy days while work goes on in the background to determine her next move.  

“She’ll have a quiet week, then reassess. The next grade up is pretty tough. But I'm sure she’s good enough to take the step.” 

Ottley also debuted trotter Valletta, who showed excellent manners in her race, finishing a close fourth.

“I was really happy with her. She only qualified 10 days ago, so she was just there for education. She’ll have a few more starts before having a wee break.”