Marketplace "super impressive" in first race back

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk

Such was the confidence in Marketplace's comeback last night that a $10,000 bet was placed on him at $1.25.

In hindsight it was easy money as the Regan Todd-trained pacer returned to  Addington with an effortless win in his first race back since taking out the Garrards New Zealand Pacing Derby last November.

It was victory number 12 from start 22.

"That was super impressive and good to get the first run out of the way," said trainer Regan Todd.

Starting off 10 metres in the Betavet Thanks Jack Harrington Handicap Pace, Marketplace was not rushed early as American Me took up the lead before Hadron Collider went to the top with just over a lap to go.

Craig Ferguson was happy to bide his time and Marketplace was actually last in the five horse field at the 400 metres but when he asked his star four-year-old for an effort he responded with a devastating finish. 

He won by over three lengths from American Me, with a last 800 in 55.0 and a last 400 in 27.2.

Arch rival Got The Chocolates was also impressive with a barnstorming second in the Dawson Harford Taylor Mile at Alexandra Park behind The Lazarus Effect but the two are unlikely to clash again in the immediate future.

Got The Chocolates will stay in Auckland for up-coming Group 1s (The Roy Purdon and the New Zealand Messenger) while Marketplace will target the Group 2 Superstars Championship at Addington on May 8.

Todd will then consider a possible trip to  Brisbane for the $300,000 Group 1 Rising Sun as part of the Queensland Constellations Carnival.

Another highlight of the meeting was Trackside presenter Brittany Graham picking up her first New Zealand win with her own horse Tetrick in Race 1, Remembering Colin Berry Handicap Trot.

It was just her sixth drive on this side of the Tasman after winning more  than 300 races in Australia. 

Starting off 15 metres, Tetrick was slow away and then wide before working to the lead with 1600 metres to go.

The result from there was never in doubt as they went to the line two lengths clear of Luvavici.

It's Tetrick's fourth win in eight starts this year. 

With her mum in the stands at Addington, Graham described the win as "a huge thrill". 

The race was named in honour of well-respected and long-time South Island-based racing photographer Colin Berry who died earlier in the week, aged 89.