Take The Deal impressive in Ashburton victory

By Mike Love

Take The Deal produced a standout performance to break through for his first win at Ashburton yesterday.

“It was a bloody good run,” said trainer Ross Houghton.

In the Ashburton U Hire Mobile pace, Take The Deal was initially slow in the score up behind the mobile, and then were slightly checked by a galloping runner shortly before dispatch. Settling last of the main pack over 1700m, John Dunn ignited the four-year-old American Ideal gelding from the 950m to go and sit parked outside race favourite Sweet Trixie. Take The Deal fought hard all the way up the long Ashburton straight to come back and win right on the post from runner up Spectator for Wilson and Michael House.

“From where I was sitting it looked like he was going to win by a good half length, but when they go to the post it's pretty hard to tell.”

It was his first win in six starts.

“I qualified him earlier on. Then did a stint at Bob’s (Butt) but he wasn’t quite strong enough, so they tipped him out for eight months. Then he was jogged up by Fred Scott and muscled him up a bit. I’ve had him back about six weeks.”

Yesterday Take The Deal was second up this campaign after finishing sixth two weeks ago at Addington.

“He went massive first up. He just missed away and went around five wide then sat parked and only blew out the last little bit. He trialled well on Tuesday too so we were pretty confident yesterday.”

Take The Deal may now need to put his feet up for a few days before returning to the races.

“He’s a bit tired today. So we will just potter around a bit with him and keep him set up for the Christmas circuits later on.”

Take The Deal’s win was Houghton’s fourth of the season.

“We’ve got a pretty good wee team at the moment. Kotare Kelso will start hoppling work again tomorrow. Early October he will be ready to roll. He’s come back looking a lot stronger.”

Take The Deal’s win brought up Dunn’s 1700th win in the sulky.