Fireworks in Addington free-for-all

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

There was an electric atmosphere at Addington Raceway on Thursday night as One Change crossed the line to record his 18th career victory in the Alabar Free-For-All Mobile Pace (2600m).

In what could be touted as one of the most exciting races to date this season, the speed was on from the outset with Corravally Star, Henry Hubert and Mighty Looee all driven hard off the gate.

From his outside draw, driver Blair Orange wasn’t enticed to enter the speed duel with One Change, electing instead to ease him back to settle off the pace at the rear of the field.

Henry Hubert took control of the race upfront, however, he wasn’t to have his own way for long with driver Gerard O’Reilly launching Laver around the field to challenge for the lead.

The pair entered a speed duel which didn’t wane, however, they eventually succumbed to their efforts and One Change, after doing no work throughout, was able to call on his fresh legs and sprint by his rivals in the straight to win by half a length over Mighty Looee.

Trainer Amber Hoffman was duly pleased with the result, particularly given it was One Change who was a spent force in his last Christchurch visit when posted three-wide.

“I am absolutely rapt for the horse and his connections. It worked out really well,” Hoffman said.

“Having the speed on the whole way and Laver coming around and dishing it up made for a very exciting race.

“Blair drove to instructions and it worked out perfectly for him. They went hard early and he didn’t have to do any work which was ideal.

“Blair said he felt super at the back going to sleep and he had a handful of horse at the finish, which was great.”

One Change was given an easy week after his efforts last week and Hoffman utilised the surf close to her property to help rejuvenate the gelding.

“He was already a fit horse, so he didn’t need a lot of work, but doing all the water walking kept him nice and fresh,” she said.

All going to plan, a return to Addington in the coming weeks is on the cards

“As long as he pulls up well then we will look for something else,” Hoffman said. “I definitely will try keeping him to 2600m, they seem to pan out a lot better for him.”