PONY trots resumed at Greenwald Paceway on Friday night, with the first race of the night greeted by a full field of eight runners.
Poppin Pepe, with Marnee Formosa in the driver’s seat, stepped off the mark with pace and led the field around the bend.
Super Marley and driver Holly Phillips closed the gap quickly and Just a Rumor (Jemma Glynn) also reduced the margin between themselves and the leaders as they headed into the home straight.
Back markers Jerry (Nicola Bowditch) and Blaze (Amber Formosa) made up a lot of ground during the race, but the front markers were too far away.
A solid run home saw Just a Rumor take the honours, while Slim Dusty and Amity Formosa showed age is no barrier – Slim being the oldest pony in the field – as they trotted along nicely and finished second.
Super Mario with Keeley Formosa in the cart powered along from their 60-metre handicap to round out the podium.
Unfortunately, Super Marley galloped for Phillips down the straight and was hence disqualified from placing.
Poppin Pepe is getting closer each week and finished fourth in the race, closely followed by Buddy Boom Boom (Evie Sealey), with Blaze and Jerry crossing the line side-by-side at the rear of the field.
The second race, saw Super Marley and Phillips start at the rear of the field to regain a bit of confidence.
Handicapper Barry Carraill re-issued the starting marks, seeing Just a Rumor move back in the field and a few others receiving a lift.
All ponies headed off from their marks, all driven with enthusiasm.
A closer finish this time around saw Just a Rumor and Glynn take out a double for the night, followed home by Slim Dusty (Amity Formosa) and Super Mario (Keeley Formosa).
Buddy Boom Boom and Sealey crossed the line in fourth, with Jerry hot on their heels.
Poppin Pepe (Marnee Formosa) tired towards the line and Blaze (Amber Formosa) brought up the rear.
Super Marley and Phillips finished the race a long way behind the main field, but trotted comfortably across the line to the cheers of the crowd.
The next meeting at Greenwald Paceway is scheduled for Sunday, December 23.
The event will have a Christmas theme, with all ponies and drivers looking forward the fancy dress parade.
