Hearts N Aces breaks maidens with emphatic victory at Alexandra Park

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

After placing second on debut as a 2YO it seemed a formality that Hearts N Aces would win a race at short notice. 

In the end that elusive victory wouldn't come for more than two years. But when he did win, he did it in style.

In Friday's Sweet Lou at Woodlands Tender Closes 9 Oct Mobile Pace at Alexandra Park the four-year-old cleared out to win by 10 lengths for trainer-driver Benjamin Butcher. 

It was the gelding's first success at his 30th race day start (his debut was at the same venue in August 2024) though he has had eight placings as well.  

"I've been happy with him for a while and he's had the time to strengthen up and with that race fitness about him now he did it pretty easy the other night," says trainer-driver Benjamin Butcher.

Drawn the pole "Ace", as he's known,  was driven aggressively out of the gate and while Midnight Betty and Sailesh Abernethy were looking for the lead Butcher wasn't handing up to anyone.

"I thought I'd have a crack and try and dictate."

And that's exactly what happened.

"It's good racing. Instead of everyone walking round and then sprinting home," says Butcher, "there's no fun in that."

Butcher gave no-one else a chance as Hearts N Aces cruised home in a 56.7 second last 800 to register 2:40.3 for the 2200 metres.  

"It gives the owners a lot of joy and it was a lot of fun to watch and to drive." 

Hearts N Aces was bred by Selwyn Taylor and being by Captaintreacherous out of Saharazona he is a full brother to the talented Barbarossa. He won 13 races initially for Mike Berger and then Butcher and is now enjoying his retirement in Northland. 

"Hopefully he (Hearts N Aces) can do the same job the other fella did - he was a great wee horse."