Pair of modest but noteworthy goals realised

A PAIR of modest, but noteworthy, goals were realised last night.

Having registered a win each season with her pride and joy – Abitofadreamer – trainer Kim Procter set a target of winning two races with the trotter in 2022.

Procter’s second harness racing ambition was to win a race rug.

Thanks to his bold front running display in Kilmore last night, Abitofadreamer fulfilled the former South Australian horsewoman’s mission.

“When I first got him thanks to the generosity of Pat Driscoll and Anton Golino, my only goal was to win a race with him,” Procter said.

“His first win also ticked off another goal as an owner which was to win a nice trophy.

“He has been so consistent all along, but I really wanted him to win two races in a season, which he has now done.

“He’s in the Final next week and now I don’t know if I should dare to dream he can win three races in a season!”

Driven to perfection by Brad Chisholm, Abitofadreamer worked to the lead from barrier four before cruising to a 19-metre victory from Tetra, which trailed the front runner throughout.

After working in the ‘death seat’, Ero Carpe Diem battled on bravely to be two metres away third.

Rating 2:04.3 over 2180 metres, Abitofadreamer’s time was 2.2 seconds faster than Majestic Speed in the second heat.

“He’s had 20 starts this season and been in the top three in 50 per cent of those,” Procter said. “Except for misbehaving in a couple of standing starts, he hasn’t put a hoof wrong and always tries his heart out.”

Along with her praise for the gelding, Procter was quick to highlight Chisholm’s prowess in the sulky.

“Brad knows him so well and has driven him brilliantly each time,” Procter said. “I can’t speak highly enough of Brad, who has travelled all over the place just to drive him.

“I know there are a number of drivers who would fit into the same category, but Brad would have to be one of the most underrated and under used drivers in the state.

“I never give him instructions as he studies the form and thinks about possible tactics before every race and has simply never put in a bad drive.”

As for the race rug, Procter stated she is “proud” to receive the “wonderful bonus” which comes with an important message.

“I had no idea there was a rug for the winner and it is a wonderful bonus,” Procter said. “Standardbreds for Breast Cancer Trials donated the rug and I’m so proud to have Dreamer wearing it given the cause it represents.”

Procter part-owns the son of Used To Me with her brother, Dave, sister-in-law Janelle Courts and close friends Nathan Barnes and Tamara Towers.