WAROONA trainer/driver/breeder, Bob Mellsop, has continued to enjoy the benefits of some astute purchases over the past few seasons with a number of recent winners.
Mellsop continues to venture to tracks far and wide, placing his pacers where ever he thinks they can win for his many owners.
One group of owners are the Get Involved Syndicate, one of the most successful long term syndicates in harness racing in recent years.
The group’s success began after the purchase of two yearlings three years ago, one called Touch Of Tango, who got the ball rolling with stakes in excess of $90,000 under Mellsop’s guidance.
Another consistent trotter in Mellsop’s care is Beau Brummel, rarely out of a place since entering the Waroona establishment.
Another pacer lighting up the dedicated pacing families eyes in recent times is Little Boy Blue.
The five-year-old by Armbro Operative, purchased by Mellsop from Gary Elson, has been in the placings eight times from his past eight starts.
His runaway win at Gloucester Park last Friday night in the Tabradio Pace, when driven by up and coming young reinswoman Kiara Davies, was one of his best.
It was particularly rewarding for Melsop who had been patient in watching the little horse grow in confidence.
Another youngster who is proving a handy acquisition for Mellsop is three-year-old Bettors Delight youngster, Bettor Rules who placed second in last Saturday nights GWN 7s Country Derby Final.
Bettor Rules has now placed at his last seven starts which includes three wins.
Mellsop will take the talented young horse on the rod this Friday for the 3yo Sky Racing Derby.
A number of other locals continue to make their mark on the pacing industry in recent weeks.
Clinton Hall has not only been doing a wonderful job as a day to day worker at his father Gary Hall’s stables at Serpentine but also as a more than capable driver, particularly with his brother Gary Junior on the sidelines due to suspension.
Hall has recently returned to the fold after years away from the sport in Western Australia but has settled back into the routine as though he has never been away.
Hall’s hard work was rewarded with three winning drives last Friday night at Gloucester Park.
The first win came with Alto Christiano who knocked off Mantoman trained by Michael Brennan and driven by Morgan Woodley.
Clint then took the reins of Elegant Christian followed by Soho Valencia, winning with both.
At Bunbury on Saturday night, Kim Young took the reins for Pinjarra trainer, Ray Grantham and was successful with Big Ben Lombo, brother Shane Young alse tasted success as a driver with Full Package for Alan Norman.
Monday’s meeting at Pinjarra saw some tight finishes with Colin Brown and Dylan Egerton-Green among the winners.
Brown was successful with Highview Christian for trainer Ian Hedley and Egerton-Green won for Bunbury trainer Murray Hanson behind rank outsider, Huchi Fella.
Argyle Red, driven by Shane Young saluted with his first lifetime win at Gloucester Park on Tuesday.
Pacing will continue at Pinjarra this Monday with the Easter Monday meet featuring the running of the $20,000 Chaff City Golden Girls Classic.
