Sundon's incredible record on display again at Invercargill

By Jonny Turner 

Delphyne extended Sundon's incredible siring legacy with her second Southern Surge heat win on Sunday.

Just two classy three-year-olds remained unbeaten when the final heats of the competition were wrapped up at Ascot Park.

Delphyne and the highly exciting Redback Bob will head to the Southern Surge Finals at Winton in a fortnight unbeaten in the qualifying rounds.

Both have been driven by Nathan Williamson who completed the impressive feat of driving 10 winners of the 18 Southern Surge heats following his quartet of victories in the second round of the series.

Delphyne and Williamson were always in control of their trotting heat when running to an early lead.

The filly was trained as a two-year-old by Phil Williamson but is now under the care of her owner-breeders at Northern Southland stud Macca Lodge.

Judging by her form, she's clearly thriving under their care.

"It was a super win today," Macca Lodge studmaster Caine McIntyre said.

"She warmed up like a treat, she's only getting better and better."

As owners-breeders and trainers of Delphyne, the Macca Lodge team don't have to thank too many people for their victory.

However, they are grateful to have been able to breed the last foal from New Zealand's king of trotting sires in the late Sundon.

"I think we were down to about six straws of frozen Sundon (semen) and the owners said you guys have done a good job getting mares in foal, so if you guys want the last foal you can have it," McIntyre said.

"We looked for a decent mare that he would cross well with, so we got Majestic Way and served her."

Delphyne is Sundon's 1863rd foal born in New Zealand and recorded his 3126th victory as a sire in this country.

Macca Lodge are producing results on the track ahead of their busy time on the farm – the spring breeding season.

Delphyne's win came before Redback Bob ran to a highly impressive victory with Nathan Williamson also in the sulky.

The trotter looked every bit a group race contender in the making when powering away to his second Southern Surge heat win in just his second career start.

"He is a lovely horse and he has taken it all in his stride so far and been quite professional," Williamson said.

"He certainly looks to have a bright future."

Williamson also combined with his father Phil to score with King's Choice in a maiden trotting heat.

The reinsman also produced Off The Canvas from his own barn for a maiden pacing win.