Perigo has won five races from 13 starts with Brookby (Auckland) co-owner Kevin Smith the trainer since the gelding was claimed for $3500 five months ago.
"Tim has taken over as I did not renew my licence this season. He was the only horse I had in work," Smith said.
Vince, who obtained a licence last season, is training out of the same property. Vince is a successful amateur driver. He raced the big winners Cool Hand Luke and Light And Sound from the Mark Purdon stable.
Smith, manager of the Auckland Trotting Club, has had outstanding success with horses he has claimed. They include Mr Whoudini, Make It Real, Purr Along and Cordon Hops.
Purr Along won at Cambridge in October, 2003 at his second start for Smith. The Road Machine gelding had managed one win (11 months earlier) in 36 starts over the previous 20 months. Purr Along won another eight races for Smith.
Smith won 13 races with Mr Whoudini and 12 with Make It Real. He won six with Cordon Hops after taking over the gelding as a 9yr-old.
"I just think I have rejuvenated them. I do heart monitoring," Smith said.
Perigo was trained at Thames by Peter Young when he was claimed in March. Young won six races with the son of Evanders Gold and Colleen's Choice.
Perigo was originally trained by Barbara Wisnewski at Tuakau. He began racing as a 4yr-old in April, 2002 and cleared maiden ranks at Alexandra Park at his seventh start.
Perigo won six races for breeders Mr and Mrs Keith Dawson when trained by Wisnewski. He was transferred to Tony Grayling in September, 2005.
Perigo had two minor placings in 10 starts from the Pukekohe stable before shifting to Young as a 9yr-old in April, 2006. He won the night he was claimed in March after being off the winning list for 11 months.
Perigo has now raced 125 times for 17 wins and $129,901 in stakes.
Two new training partnerships are represented at Addington tonight, the first harness meeting of the 2011-12 season. Don Bates and Stephen Hammar have Allmouth And Trousers (race one). Vicki Cowan has been joined by Rick Burnett. They have Trotupastorm (race 7).
Dixie Belle was a winner at Addington last Friday for Bates.
Hammar trained the Bates-bred Penny Lane to win six races in the 1990s.
Results from the trials at Ascot Park yesterday:
Weather, fine; track, fast.
Two-yr-old pacers, mobile, 1700m: Oliver Jack K Barclay 1; Hit The Spot 2. Two started. 1 1/4L. Time, 2.21.9. Trainer, D Cummings.
Qualifying test, trotters, 2200m: Trackcruza K Barclay 1. Only starter. Failed to qualify.
0-2w, trotters, 2200m: Son Dun Don L Bond 1; Grant Us Peace 2. Two started. Ns. Time, 3.02.1. Trainer, J Bond.
0w pacers, 2200m: Cloud Song C Hanna 1; Aye One 2. Two started. 1L. Time, 2.59.5. Trainers, R and J McEwan.
0w pacers, mobile, 2200m: John Daly C Hanna 1; Lady Vienna 2; Tactical Attraction 3. Three started. Hd; 1 1/4L. Time, 2.49.9. Trainer, T McGrannachan.
1w+ pacers, mobile, 2200m: Hokuri Handrail J Cox 1; Eilis Rose 2; Deal On The Day 3. Three started. 3/4L; 1/2L. Time, 2.48.4. Trainer, M Brown.
