Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Donald Harper continued his splendid association with veteran square gaiter Luvaflair by driving her to victory in the $21,000 Nova Boy Jamz On Nova Trot over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Harper now has handled the Nigel Johns trained Luvaflair 63 times for twelve wins, eight seconds, 13 thirds and 11 fourths. The seven-year-old has been a star for Johns, and she has amassed $261,868 from 25 wins and 43 placings from 134 starts.
Harper wisely opted out of the early speed battle, settling down Luvaflair, the third favourite at $16.70, in the one-out, one-back position as Nickys Son ($11) and the $1.90 favourite Aldebaran Boyd battled for the early lead, with the lead time a fast 36.5sec. before Nickys Son got to the front and was able to cover the opening quarter in a more comfortable 31.6sec.
Yankee Lover, the $3.20 second fancy from the outside barrier, raced at the rear before he began a three-wide move approaching the bell and took the lead at the 400m. But he was unable to hold out Luvaflair and finished second, three lengths from the winner.
“The quicker they go suites Luvaflair,” said Harper. “She travelled well, and I expected her to be in the mix.”