Story by Mike Love HRNZ:
Indiana Arden gave West Melton trainer Hayden Cullen another success at Ashburton on Saturday, hot on the heels of Wish Me Luck's win at Addington a week ago.
Similar to Wish Me Luck, yesterday's victory of Indiana Arden came after a long lay off from the track having not raced since November 2022.
Cullen was not surprised with the five-year-old Panspacificflight mare’s victory.
“I thought she’d go a good race. She hadn’t really raced that genuine in the past but her last few workouts at home I'd been really pleased with her.”
Driven by Blair Orange, Indiana Arden sat fourth the fence before moving up to the parked position from the 1200m. Indiana Arden then monstered her way to the front around the 200m and held off a late finish from race favourite Ultimate Seisation. A fast last quarter of 26.8 seconds is nothing to be snuffed at.
“She’s showing she’s going to get another win or two. The way she went today would suggest she’s got a little bit more in store.”
Cullen trains a team of 17 from his West Melton base.
“We have a couple of nice two-year-old fillies trialling next week.”
New additions to his barn will be two yearlings recently purchased from the recent NZB Standardbred Yearling sales - lot 21 a Bettor's Delight - Georgia Brooke colt for $11,000 and lot 257 a Captain Crunch - Priscilla Shard filly for $15,000 with the latter having 50% of shares still available.
Other highlights of the day saw Beach Flyby cause an upset win in the Gallaghers Insurance Ashburton Cup for trainers Steve and Amanda Telfer at odds of 33/1. Mark Jones and Samantha Ottley combined for a double with maiden trot winner Wudabubbit and Tempo Warrior, while Ottley made it a hat trick of wins in the sulky winning with Aldebaran Floss in the Team Teal trot for trainer Megan Swain. Blair Orange also drove a double with Miss Yo for Jack Harrington in addition to Indiana Arden.
To watch Indiana Arden win the Fulton Hogan Mobile Pace at Ashburton on 24th February 2024 click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lwDQgpRwZ8