Better Knuckle Up (NZ) Brilliant in Historical The Velocity Win

Better Knuckle Up (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) made history on Show Day at Addington with his powerful performance to win the $500,000 Listed Hill Lee & Scott The Velocity (1980m).

The NZB Standardbred graduate became the first winner of a slot race in New Zealand when he stormed home from off the pace to win the lucrative three-year-old feature for trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan.

Better Knuckle Up and driver Zachary Butcher gave fellow NZB Standardbred and favourite Chase A Dream (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) and Blair Orange a good head start after settling in midfield.

But when they unleashed a powerful turn burst of speed, that margin proved far from insurmountable.

“That was a huge thrill – a great effort from Barry and Scotty,” Butcher said.
“We got back a bit and the favourite had a superb run and you worry a bit whether you’re going to pick them up.”
“Halfway down the straight Blair pulled the plugs out and we were still coming at them.”
“Credit to this horse he hit the line and sort of ran away from them.”
“These are the races we love winning and it’s pretty special to be a part of.”

In an outstanding result, the Purdon-Phelan also produced NZB Standardbred graduate Jeremiah (NZ) (Lazarus) to run fourth in the inaugural edition of The Velocity.

“Both Jeremiah and this horse have done really well on the trip,” Purdon said.

“They were healthy, feeling well and their work had been good.”
“You just knew as a trainer that they would go good but to win it is another thing.”
“It’s great for the owners.”

Better Knuckle Up is raced by Peter and Joan Stott, following his purchase for $90,000 at the 2022 National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

The pacer was secured by Frank Cooney, as agent, when he was offered among Breckon Farms’ draft. 

Though defeated, Chase A Dream ran a very meritorious second placing in The Velocity.

When challenged by Better Knuckle Up, the three-year-old rallied strongly for Orange and trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon.

After being held up on the home turn, Harrison John (NZ) (Always B Miki) charged home along the inner to take third for trainer Hayden Cullen and driver Cam Hart to complete a trifecta of NZB Standardbred graduates.

 

Vendor	Breckon Farms Ltd
Purchaser	Mr FD Cooney as agent
Breeding	Bettor's Delight - Bare Knuckle Bay Colt
Sale	2022 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Auckland $90,000
Breeder	H A David, G David