VETERAN trainer Milton Dunn stole the limelight at the Port Lincoln Races on Friday evening when his stable star Boy John produced another stunning victory.
First up from a break it was thought the nine-year-old might take a couple of runs to produce his best but his blistering early speed was on show and he went on to notch his 16th career win.
The day ended on a great note for Dunn when long time maiden galloper Bee Done saluted in an emotional victory for the stable and connections.
Darryl Carrison was another successful trainer on the day, also training a winning double, when Fighting Fury and Takookachook won early in the day.
Credit must go to all involved in the presentation of the racing surface as it raced in great order and the grounds were in immaculate condition, it is a privilege to be able to frequent this venue.
Race 1 Maiden 1000m
Big Mel was sent out a warm favourite and got punters off to a great start on the day. Settling second behind the early speed set by Tara's Valentine the Simon Drewitt trained mare loomed large on the turn and was able to hold off the fast finishing Kooda Diva.
Tara's Valentine was tiring late and held on for third and there is no point in going any further back than that.
As stated this race lacked depth and the form may not stack up in coming meetings.
Race 2 Rating 0-72 Handicap
Fighting Fury didn't lead as expected and this would have left favourite punters slightly concerned when he was under lock and key third from the fence, however a masterful ride by Troy Baker saw him get into the clear down the side of the track and this was the race wining moment.
The Darryl Carrison trained seven-year-old defied the late challenge of Crammond who had his chance. Gallipoli Beach was third in an even performance, he will continue to improve.
Race 3 Three-Year-Old Maiden
Achenar and Takookachook were able to find the premier one and two positions early and they went on to fight the race out. Achenar looked home half-way down the running when he pinched a break but his condition just gave out in the last 50 meters and Takookachook just kept grinding home.
There was money to say that Takookachook would run well in his first start in this region. Achenar will be improved by the run and looks a coming winner in a suitable maiden.The well fancied Miss Blevite looked to have her chance in third placing.
Race 4 Flying Handciap 1000m
Boy John continues to amaze, he fired from the gates to find the front with ease.
Free-wheeling approaching the turn it was plain too see 'Johnie' was back and back in a big way as he had the opposition run of their feet.
Amens Sea did a creditable job to close late, wait for her over the longer trips, and Deshann although beaten a fair way in third will derive benefit from that outing and there will be a 1350 easier race for him in the future.
Race 5 Fillies and Mares 0-64 Handicap
Punters had put their faith in One Sox Tess, backing her into favouritism. Settling back she appreciated a good tempo up front and was able to finish best down the centre of the track.
Graham Bacchus has a lot of consistent performers in his stable and credit must go to him on that fact.
Miaconi and Firer Me raced forward and battled it out in filling the placings respectively but all honours were with the winner on this day.
Race 6 Rating 0-61 Handicap
Moxie Miss did what we thought she would do, jumping well she sat second and rolled to the lead rounding the bend before going on for a soft victory. This mare races well here and trainer David Halliday will have to make more trips here based on that performance.
Ziparoo looked fitter and was good in his second placing, he is a coming winner and Covet The Lot put in a pleasing run for third although well beaten.
Race 7 Rating 0-64 Handicap
A hot early tempo suited Wild'n'Stormy as he settled three of four lengths behind the tearaway leaders. He had plenty to offer when asked to make his run coming from the turn and he had them covered a long way out moving up stylishly upon straightening.
Racing in great heart it will be interesting to see what plans Ross Lyons has for him from here on - possibly the cup might be on the agenda.
Jail Strait was used up early to lead and this took its toll late, he did tough it out however. Super Hit was honest again and added another third placing to his tally, the twelfth of his career.
Race 8 Maiden 1350m
1729 days after his first race start Bee Done finally broke his maiden status, racing forward he toughed it out to the line and produced a great story of perseverance and a day that trainer Milton Dunn will remember for a long time.
Bitofadreamer and Little Jade filled the placings and odds-on favourite Reliable Tradesman was trapped wide and didn't handle the turn ending any chance he had.
Melbourne Cup Lunch Competition Winner
Congraulations to Ben Smith who had the most winnings for the day. Smith picked the longest priced winner for the day in Bee Done. It seems his knowledge is not just restricted to the cricket field.
The next meeting is a family day on Sunday.
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