IT was more than a little fitting that a stable on Bendigo’s outskirts claimed the Bendigo Bank 2016 Bendigo Trotters Cup at Bendigo’s Lords Raceway on Saturday.
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It was also less than surprising, given the outstanding form of Strathfieldsaye trainer-owners Glenn and Christine Sharp’s Tenno Dance, who peeled off a fourth straight victory and claimed his first Group level success.
The five-year-old gelding, by Tennotrump out of Disco Dance, has given young Bolinda driver Josh Duggan a memorable month, having won at Geelong, claimed two wins under the bright lights of Tabcorp Park Melton and then followed up in last night’s Bendigo Group 3.
“His last four starts he has been very strong,” Duggan said.
“Those horses (he just raced against), they are real nice horses.
“(Saturday) was his toughest test really and he was good enough to ping to the front, have them sit outside him and (finish) really good.”
From gate four of the standing start Tenno Dance stepped away well and soon found the front, with Matt Craven on Star Gun happy to hold for the box seat.
Following an 80.8-second lead time across the first 1050m, Duggan grabbed a reasonably comfortable first quarter (31.6s) to keep plenty in the tank, and when it came time to drive home Tenno Dance had plenty to offer.
A 29.8s quarter preceded a 28.6s third quarter and by the final bend only Greg Sugars’ Illawong Helios was within a length.
Duggan needed only a gentle urging to have Tenno Dance clear away for his rivals for a convincing 13m win from Illawong Helios and third-placed Oh Nova.
“That was what I hoped would happen. It was his first time back off the front tonight and he really got away good,” Duggan said.
“Everything’s gone good tonight.
“When I found the front I thought if I could get a cheap lap or lap and a half I would take a fair bit of running down.
“Sharpy’s done a great job with him.”
