Trained at Washdyke by David Johnston, who shares the ownership with his wife, Leeann, Here Comes Brucie, was having his 10th start. He led over the last 2000m of 2600m and held on by half a length.
Vic N Art had his second win in six starts since transferring to the Oamaru trainer, Eion Latimer, 10 weeks ago. Latimer bought the 4yr-old out of the Woodlands stable of Allan Paisley and took his wife, Pat, his son, Brent and daughter, Jacqui, into the ownership. Vic N Art had won a race for Paisley in September.
Crown Royal who was leased four months ago by Forbury Park trainer, Kerry Dance, Jude Lawless and Aaron Johnston, cleared maiden ranks last night at her third start. The 4yr-old Christian Cullen mare, qualified at Forbury Park on May 2. She had shown ability with Malcolm Shinn but her previous owners did not wish to give her more time.
Matthew Williamson drove three winners last night to take his tally for the season to 52. He has surpassed his previous best of 46 wins last season. Williamson (20) is a New Zealand representative in the Australasian Young Drivers Championship which begins at Forbury Park next Thursday.
El Fox, who was pulled up at Oamaru on Sunday after an early tangle, was on his best behaviour last night to clear maiden ranks.
• Elmer Fudd, the winner of the main race at Invercargill last Saturday, has been sold to Perth by owners, Bruce Stirling and Jimmy Gin. Elmer Fudd, the winner of eight races when trained by Kirk Larsen, has been bought by clients of the stable of Ross Olivieri.
Silver Ranger, who was sold to Australia by the same owners, has since won at Menangle in 1.55.9. Their horse Cuddlecam lost a tooth when she fell at the start last night.
• Commander Jewel will further her preparation for the Harness Jewels with a workout at Ashburton tomorrow.
The New Zealand Trotting Oaks winner was scratched at Addington tonight after her handicap was adjusted.
"She was originally handicapped on the front but when the fields came out she was on 20m," Mark Jones, her trainer, said. "She will go to the workouts now."
Jones will also take Harness Jewels candidates, Master Lavros and Beau Brummell to the Ashburton workouts.
