Lonnekers wins again for Cameron

By Mike Love 

Lonnekers made it two-in-a-row yesterday when winning the Think Water Timaru Handicap Pace over 2600m.

Trainer/driver Ross Cameron is thrilled with the five-year-old Vincent gelding's progress this campaign, so far winning twice and placing twice from six starts, bringing his overall record to four wins and three placings from 21 starts.

"He's racing super this time and it's been pleasing," said Cameron.

Lonnekers and Cameron made light work of their 15 metre handicap in the small field, slotting in five back on the fence. Cameron was able to work into the one-by-one position from the mile, enjoying a drag up until peeling at the 500 metres in full-flight, putting their opposition to bed quickly. 

Sizzling home in 55.5 seconds for the final 800 metres, Lonnekers won by three lengths from the pacemaker Stormy Vista.

"He's such a nice horse, he's adaptable. He doesn't have to be driven a particular way.

"He's got speed and he's tough. It makes my job a bit easier.

"It's nice to get one like him."

It is a family affair with Lonnekers, who is raced by Cameron along with his parents Kerry and Helen.

"Mum named the horse because she grew up in Lonnekers Bay on Stewart Island. She's about fifth or sixth generation."

Lonnekers is out of Live Or Die mare Gipsy Woman and is a half-brother to Saginaw, who won five for Cameron, and Isla's Joy, who won three before both being sold to Australia. Saginaw went on to win 13 further races while Isla's Joy won seven more.

Cameron suggests he may need to be a little more picky moving forward with Lonnekers as he starts climbing the grades.

"I might have to look at a penalty-free win if I can. He's had a few wins in that similar grade. It gets pretty tough pretty quick."

Cameron trains a team of around half-a-dozen at his Coes Ford base. To date, he has trained twenty-four winners.