Marketplace (NZ) Explosive in Harness Million Triumph

The tactics weren’t expected but the result was as Marketplace (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) exploded to victory in the $200,000 Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million Three-Year-Old Colts & Geldings Final (2200m) at Alexandra Park on Friday night.

The son of Bettor's Delight secured the NZB Standardbred Harness Million Two-Year-Old title back in October of 2024.

The brilliant pacer confirmed his status as New Zealand’s best three-year-old pacer when spearing along the passing lane to win for trainer Regan Todd and driver Craig Ferguson.

Ferguson made the surprise move of handing up the lead with a lap to go to rivals Got The Chocolates (NZ) (Art Major) and driver John Dunn.

While it may not have been what many were expecting, it proved a brilliant tactical decision.

“Craig knows the horse so well and he handed up to the right one,” Todd said.

“If Johnny had come around and eye-balled him it could have been a different result.”

“But Craig has just got faith in the horse and knows him so well.”

When Marketplace and Ferguson saw clear air in the home straight they exploded away from their rivals to score yet another lucrative feature race victory.

“He is just a super wee horse and we so are lucky to have him,” Todd said.

Marketplace’s Harness Million title took his career earnings past $400,000 for his owners Phil and Glenys Kennards, Peter Baken, Graham Beirne of Small Car World Ltd, John Magness and his trainer.

Secured by PI & GJ Kennard Bloodstock Ltd for $100,000 when he was offered among the Barron Bloodstock draft at the 2023 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.

With another another big race target on his radar, the $200,000 Group One Northern Derby (2700m) on April 25, Todd now just has to decide his star horse’s programme into his first Derby tilt.

“We will just let the dust settle and over the weekend I will have a look at the options.”

“But the Derby will be his next big target.”

After his mid-race move, Got The Chocolates fought on strongly to run second behind Marketplace in Friday night's feature.

After trailing the favourite throughout, Bettor’s Anvil (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) wound up late to run third.

Vendor	Barron Bloodstock Ltd
Purchaser	PI & GJ Kennard Bloodstock Ltd
Breeding	Bettor's Delight - Cullen Who Bay Colt
Sale	2023 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Christchurch $100,000
Breeder	George & Maryanne, Tony Barron, Gordon McKenzie, Tony Clark and Michelle Scanlon