Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Five-year-old Jaspervellabeach excels from the No. 1 barrier, and he notched his fourth win from five starts from the coveted inside barrier when Emily Suvaljko drove him confidently to land him an all-the-way winner of the 2130m WA Harness Racing Owners Association Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
However, Blythewood trainer Gary Elson said that the Victorian-bred pacer was not exclusively a frontrunner.
“I believe that, sat-up in better-class company, Jaspervellabeach can be competitive and can win, coming from behind,” said Elson, who prepares the gelding for his daughter Kristy.
“He is happy and healthy, and we will keep him racing and see how he goes on his way through the classes.”
Jasspervellabeach, the $1.30 favourite, easily survived an early challenge from the fast-starting Joey James and was able to run the lead time in a slow 38sec. before opening quarters of 30.8sec. and 30.4sec. which were followed by final 400m sections of 29.3sec. and 28.1sec.
Jaspervellabeach won by just under a length from the consistent $6 chance Euphoria, who trailed the leader all the way and was hampered for room until late, when he fought on with an inside run.
Jaspervellabeach has earned $236,845 from 14 wins and 13 placings from 60 starts.