Six-year-old New Zealand-bred pacer Extradite, who managed only three placings on country tracks from his first 12 starts, is blossoming under the care of Oldbury trainer Kim Prentice, and his past 13 starts have produced six wins, two seconds and two third placings.
A noted frontrunner, Extradite, a $17.50 chance, started from the inside of the back line and Corey Peterson was content to trail the pacemaker and $2.35 favourite Will I Rocknroll before he eased the Washington VC gelding off the pegs 250m from home. Extradite then surged home and snatched a last-stride victory by a nose over $13 chance As Happy As Larry, with Rakasinc ($21), tenth at the bell, flashing home out five wide to be third, ahead of Will I Rocknroll.
As Happy As Larry raced in ninth position before Robbie Williams sent him forward at the bell to take the lead with 270m to travel.
Extradite is racing with commendable spirit and looks capable of performing well at the top level and could develop into a contender for the rich feature events at the summer carnival this year. He has now had 64 starts for 14 wins, 16 placings and $132,0904 in prizemoney.
Peterson continued his recent run of successes when he trained and drove a double at Kellerberrin on Sunday afternoon, scoring with Osaka ($1.40) and Smooth Rye ($3.40).
by Ken Casellas