Former promising trotter breaks long drought
FORMER promising trotter Have No Fear broke a long drought from the winners’ circle with his triumph at Club Menangle yesterday.
Considered a rising star when imported from New Zealand in 2020, Have No Fear registered six victories and three placings from his first dozen Aussie starts.
Having his sixth outing for prominent couple Joe and Mary Rando, the son of Father Patrick notched his first win since scoring in Ballarat on August 28, 2021.
In Have No Fear’s defence, he did spend the bulk of that time in a paddock.
Have No Fear’s first stint on the sidelines lasted eight months before having two starts and another 12 months off due niggling issues.
“There is no doubt he is a nice horse, he just hasn’t had a really consistent campaign in a long time,” Joe said. “His manners have let him down a couple of times, but that’s because he is such a quirky type.
“For example, when the rocks flick up from the track and hit him in the face, he shakes his head, loses rhythm and can gallop, which is what happened yesterday.
“Thankfully he was good enough to get going again quickly and still come away with the win.”
Driven by Will Rixon, Have No Fear began well from his 20-metre handicap before going off balance for several strides.
Once settled in his gait, the five-year-old was sent forward to find the front during the middle stages.
Never seriously challenged, Have No Fear cruised to a 10-and-a-half metre win from King Of Love, with Simone Lindenny three metres away third in 1:59.3 over 2300 metres.
“Will drove him confidently, which set up the win, before easing him turning for home as he had them covered,” Joe said. “He was winding down at the finish and still run his last mile in a tick over 1:56.
“There is another race for him at Menangle next Tuesday, and although he has pulled up terrific, I’m not sure if he will go around in that or the following week.
“We don’t have any grand long range plan for him, but will eventually put him around on a Saturday night.”