US trotter to make Aussie debut
ASTUTE horseman Rickie Alchin has an interesting runner at Club Menangle today.
Rarely without a high class performer in his stable, Alchin will contest the opening event on the card with debutante trotter Woodford County.
What makes Woodford County so intriguing is he was bred in America, where he was purchased as a yearling.
By Chapter Seven from Autumn Deo, the squaregaiter hails from the same family as millionaire mare and USA Two-Year-Old Trotter of the Year Crys Dream, which is the dam of Group One winner Classic Connection.
As a stallion, Classic Connection is available to Australian breeders via Victorian-based operation Haras des Trotteurs.
Woodford County's clan also includes US Breeders' Crown winner Brigham Dream and Swedish Sprint Champion Tae Kwon Deo.
Purchased by Aussie owner, Glenn Holland, the colt was sold as Voltage Peaks before being renamed 'Down Under' as Woodford County, which is a Bourbon distillery in Lexington, Kentucky.
As the owner of local star The Locomotive, Holland is no stranger to racing top class trotters.
A multiple Group One winner, The Locomotive made headlines last year by contesting the famed Elitlopp in Sweden.
"Glenn bought him in America as a yearling and he is quite well-bred," Alchin said. "So hopefully he can live up to that bloodline.
"He's been a work in progress as he's a bit quirky. A real colty type, but he's getting the hang of it and is trotting with a lot more confidence now.
"Being American-bred, technically he's still only a two-year-old, but he's a three-year-old under our system."
Winner of his last two trials, Woodford County will begin from barrier two over 1609 metres.
"He has trialled well and gives me a good feeling," Alchin said. "I know it is a low grade race he's in, but a couple in it have won 20-odd races, and as I said, he is not quite three yet!
"From what he has shown so far, I think he has the ability to aim for the Derby, but he's got to do it on the track first.
"I know he is only about to make his debut, but I will probably back off and freshen him up after the race with some of the features later in the year in mind."
