SO CLOSE: Bathurst trainer-driver Shona Stewart (right) pushes Mystic Carden to a maiden victory and keeps Barb Healey (left) at bay. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0303trots3
BATHURST trainer-driver Shona Stewart was still left frustrated despite Mystic Carden recording a maiden victory at the Orange Harness Racing Club meeting yesterday.
Mystic Carden ($9.30) led from start to finish at the Highlands Paceway to take out the Hondo Grattan Pace (1880m).
Stewart was happy to see the 10-year-old finally win but admitted it still wasn’t a great run.
“She’s been the source of frustration-galore,” Stewart said.
“She was only broken in as a seven-year-old. She’s had lots of chances.
“Even today, she got to the corner and pulled up. She does it every start. No matter how well she’s travelling she always pulls up and then gets going again.
“So I’m just hoping that today it’s clicked.”
Starting from gate four, the bay mare showed great gate speed to go straight to the front where she remained. As the fielded rounded the final turn Mystic Carden pulled up and allowed the field to close in on her.
With some encouragement from Stewart, Mystic Carden was able to pick up speed and hold on to win.
She finished 2.3 metres ahead of Barb Healey ($3.60) with the Kel Winnell-trained Bright Desire ($2.90 fav) a further 10.2 metres back in third. Mystic Carden won with a mile rate of 2:06:03.
So what Stewart’s plans for Mystic Carden now?
“Retire,” Stewart laughed.
“We’ve just got to keep finding the weakest races for her. She’s got the ability but there’s too much in the mind.”