VETERAN trotter Dalton made the perfect debut yesterday.
Having his first start for Freeling-based trainer Peter Mudge, Dalton proved too good at Globe Derby.
In doing so, the eight-year-old broke a long drought from the winners’ circle. His previous victory recorded at Gawler on October 22, 2023, which registered as his sixth win for that season, with the son of Bad Boy Truscott expected to be a major force among South Australia’s squaregaiters.
“He did look as though he was going to keep going strong a couple of years ago when he won several races, but has been found wanting since,” Mudge said. “Hopefully, based on his run yesterday, he is going to recapture some of that old form.
“In the couple of weeks I’ve had him I have made a few minor changes, those one percenters, and it appears to have made a difference.
“He worked like a gun during the week, so I was pretty confident, but now I’ve got to keep him there, that’s the hard part!
“It is a great way to start off with him, and the way he did it and pulled up, I’ve got no doubt he’s got more wins in him.”
Leading throughout from barrier three, Dalton completed a two-and-a-half metre triumph from Beware The Fury, which was brave after travelling in the ‘death seat’.
Kabayo King was nine-and-a-half metres away third in 2:06.5 over 2230 metres.
