Marketplace Declares Top Status in Harness Million Triumph

Great mates combined as Marketplace (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) delivered a stunning win in the $200,000 Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million Two-Year-Old Colts And Geldings Final (1980m).

The outstanding gelding declared himself as New Zealand’s best two-year-old male pacer when downing a highly talented field in the lucrative feature.

The victory delivered career highlights for both trainer Regan Todd and driver Craig Ferguson who tasted big race success together many years after starting their harness racing journeys as youngsters in the small Southland town of Wyndham.

The win is the biggest Craig Ferguson has enjoyed in the sulky and the reinsman was thrilled to do it with his great friend in Todd.

“I am so grateful, Regan has been so good to me, to put me on this guy I can’t thank him enough,” Ferguson said.

Marketplace started a hot favourite in the Harness Million Two-Year-Old Colts And Geldings Final after a stunning last start win at Addington.

In that victory the pacer sat off the speed and soared home, but on Friday night the two-year-old had to call on his stamina.

And in doing so he showed he is as tough as he is brilliantly fast.

“That was unbelievable that run and I am just so lucky to be able to sit behind him,” Ferguson said.

“Nothing went to script, we haven’t driven him like that before.”

When Ferguson attempted to ease the pace in the middle stages Marketplace was immediately pressured.

But he was right up to any challenge his rivals brought.

“He felt so good down the back, I thought would stay in front,” Ferguson said.

“He felt to me like he was travelling so good.”

“We found out tonight how tough he is.”      

Marketplace’s career-defining win came in just his eighth race start, demonstrating just how exciting his future is.

“I think we are going to have a lot of fun with this guy, it is so much fun to do it with Regan, too,” Ferguson said.

Marketplace is raced by Phil and Glenys Kennard, Peter Baken, Graham Beirne of Small Car World Ltd, John Magness and his trainer.

Phil and Glenys Kennard purchased the outstanding type for $100,000 when he was offered by the Barron Bloodstock draft at the 2023 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.

Rubira (NZ) (Always B Miki) chased Marketplace hard in the home straight to run a meritorious second for trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon and driver Blair Orange.

In an outstanding effort, the pacer was also purchased by Phil and Glenys Kennard when he was offered at the 2023 National Yearling Sale.

The two-year-old was offered at Auckland by Breckon Farms.

After working hard in the middle stages, Got The Chocolates (NZ) (Art Major) ran a tenacious third for trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn and driver John Dunn.