Quarterback produces perfect finish

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Matt Purvis loves going to the West Coast every year and he was delighted to end the circuit on a high this year.

The Woodend Beach trainer recorded a treble on the first day at Westport, and while he had a quieter day on the second day, he was able to finish the circuit off strongly at Reefton on Wednesday, courtesy of Quarterback in the Kohatu Flat Rock Café/Ron Crook Memorial Pace (2000m).

The Sportswriter gelding began well from the front row to take an early trail behind Drink The Wind.

Unhappy with the pace, driver Alana Cameron elected to send her charge forward to take the lead with a lap to go.

Cameron kept an honest pace and Quarterback was able to open up a lead on his rivals down the straight and record a 6-1/2 length victory over Golden Lace, with stablemate Jenabella a further head back in third.

Purvis was pleased with the win and said Quarterback favours strongly run races.

“He didn’t have too much luck on the first two days on the West Coast, but we were confident of a bold showing from him when we took him over there, so it was good he delivered on the last day,” Purvis said.

“He’s the type of horse who wants a strong tempo. He lacks a bit of high speed, but he just keeps on chugging.

“Alana drove him perfectly, so I couldn’t ask for more.

“I think he should keep doing a good job, he is in the right grade.”

Purvis was also pleased with the run by Jennabella, who was victorious at Westport on Boxing Day before being pulled up on the second day of the circuit.

“It was a good circuit for her,” he said. “She was a bit naughty the second day, but she bounced back well.

“It was a blessing in disguise that she played up on the second day and took no part. She came into the race quite fresh.”

Purvis has enjoyed his time on the West Coast and he is already looking forward to returning to the circuit next year.

“I love going to the Coast every year,” he said. “It’s the same every year, where everyone makes you feel welcome and it was good to get a bit of success with the horses while I was over there too.”