Risky move paying dividends

AS HE began a 10-hour interstate trip it never entered Steven Fennell’s mind he may be undertaking the journey for nothing.

After arriving at Tabcorp Park Melton the reality of a pointless expedition hit the Mount Gambier-base horseman.

Fennell made the trip, complete with empty float, to claim a pacer he believed would be ideal for South Australia.

The problem is a couple of others also had plans to claim the son of Lis Mara!

“I figured he would be perfect over here,” Fennell said. “That he’d be more than competitive in the free-for-alls at Globe Derby each week.

“When I got to Melton I found out I was one of three people who put in a claim, so now it was a lottery to find out who got him.”

To Fennell’s joy his name was selected as the new owner.

“That was my first win with him,” Fennell declared.

Second upon debut for Fennell, the gelding in question has won his five subsequent starts, including Globe Derby during the weekend.

Partnered by leading concession driver Samantha Pascoe, Van Mara led throughout from the pole as Motu Gatecrasher and Ellmers Hoofing It filled the placings.

“So far he has worked out exactly as I hoped,” Fennell said. “He couldn’t have done a better job for us.

“At this stage I’ll give him a few easy days and head back to Globe Derby in a couple of weeks.

“Hopefully he can get the job done again.”