WAANYARRA trainer-driver Peter Sanderson and Scottish Sardius have continued their love affair with Elmore by winning a second trotters cup in three years.
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The seven-year-old mare proved too slick and too disciplined for his eight rivals, powering to an impressive 16-metre victory in the $4500 event.
Scottish Sardius previously won the race as a five-year-old in 2017.
Sanderson, who has been involved in harness racing for about 30 years, was able to control the race from start to finish, with only the Nigel Milne-trained and driven Bank On Betty providing any real resistance.
The win more than made amends for a ninth-placing in last year's Elmore Trotters Cup behind the Neil McCallum-driven Love The Aces.
"She's been here the last three years and she missed out last year, but she won it the year before and being able to do it again this year has been fantastic," Sanderson said.
"She's a fast beginner and she likes these tight little tracks, that's why I come here, races like this are made for her.
"She had to squeeze past a few early who were doing the wrong thing, but she's a real professional. She does more dodging than me," Sanderson joked.
With seven wins and an eye-catching 39 placings to her name from 115 lifetime starts, Sanderson said Scottish Sardius had been a good horse for him.
"She runs a heap of pacings and is very honest," he said.
"There's no urging required, I don't carry a whip ... she does her job."
Sanderson was confident the mare had at least one more racing season in her beyond 2018-19.
"She doesn't like doing nothing, give her two days off she has well and truly had enough. She likes being in there working," he said.
"While she's like that and loving it, we'll keep her happy and keep doing what she loves."
An unabashed fan of the smaller country cups, Sanderson said he would like to see more such events programmed throughout the year.
"They're great days for us (trainers and drivers) and they are great for the towns too," he said.
"Half the town (of Elmore) is probably here and having a great time.
"It's just like the local footy in the winter time. A couple more of them (cups) would be a great idea."
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