Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Veteran square gaiter Ace Commander reappeared after an injury-enforced absence of 18 months in superb fashion when he outclassed his rivals in the $21,000 Cowden The Insurance Brokers Trot.
Ther ten-year-old’s victory was a triumph for Oakford trainer Jemma Hayman, whose patience and loving care enabled the gelding to recover from nasty leg injuries.
“He had many problems,” said Hayman. “He had some soreness in a hind leg, and then he did a suspensory up front during his next preparation. So, we have taken our time with him.
“He has now come back as a lovely horse who is more settled, and I’m very happy for owners Merv and Meg Butterworth because they love this horse. They are so excited to see him back at the races. They have been so patient, which makes our job a lot easier.
“What Ace Commander has is something that a lot of trotters lack, and that is his turn of foot speed. He can run a 28sec. quarter like a pacer can. Most trotters run a more even, solid time. But he has that point-to-point speed which is one of his best attributes.”
On Friday night Ace Commander was a $6.40 chance from the inside of the front line in a 2503m standing-start event in which champion reinsman Chris Lewis got him away perfectly on his way to an impressive all-the-way victory over the $2.75 favourite Thats Not My Gait and the $15 chance Abundance.
Ace Commander has now had eleven starts in Western Australia for four wins and four placings. His three previous wins in the State were in mobile events, but he shone in New Zealand with his five wins from 31 starts there being in standing-start events.
He is by American sire Monarchy and is the fourth foal out of Aceofdiamonds, who had 55 starts for seven wins, 13 placings and $50,114. Ace Commander has earned $74,873 from nine wins and 15 placings from 44 starts.