Racing: Good manners win day for Pompallier

Pompallier wasn't ready to win the City Of Sails Trot at Alexandra Park last night - but it didn't matter.

Trainer-driver Richard Brosnan thought his stable star might need the run after missing a recent race because of a cold.

But when Pompallier's five most favoured rivals all galloped at some stage of the 2200m event he was fit enough to win by default.

In one of the more bizarre open class trots seen at Alexandra Park in recent years, Martina H, Rosscoe and Lanson all galloped early, and Interdominion champion Play On galloped on the first bend.

That appeared to leave favourite Delft ideally placed, with the giant cruising along in fifth position. Until he galloped when challenging wide on the track at the 400m mark.

That calamity meant Pompallier was able to overcome his lack of race hardness to work his way past Major Decision, with Young Pointer edging his way into third.

The victory continued Pompallier's remarkable record at Alexandra Park, with all 14 of his career wins being on his home track.

And while he was aided by the lack of manners from his key rivals he must still be one of the horses to beat in next Friday's $100,000 Rowe Cup as he will be immensely improved by last night's outing.

Earlier in the night One Over Kenny had to survive an inquiry to head home a South Island trifecta in the three-year-old trotting feature.

The outstanding Oamaru filly appeared to have her rivals covered after leading for most of the 2200m event but galloped for a few strides at the 200m mark.

She quickly returned to her gait but the indiscretion saw her hotly challenged by Harriet Hughes and Tozzie in the closing stages.

"It was the right decision for her to keep the race," said driver Tony Herlihy.

"She only galloped for a few strides and she actually lost ground.

"She did really well to fight back and win."

The race set up an exciting Great Northern Trotting Derby next Friday, with all three impressing.

While One Over Kenny was continuing her winning run, another class filly finally returned to her best form in the Nevele R Fillies heat.

Molly Darling hadn't won a race in New Zealand since the Caduceus Club Classic at Alexandra Park last winter, having raced mainly in Australian since then.

She came back from one of those trips feeling the effects of a difficult campaign and her form dulled before last night's return to her best.

Molly Darling was good enough to sit parked for the 1700m heat and still hold out the late run of Badabing Badaboom to win easily.

"That proved to me she is right back to her best and I think she will keep getting better," said trainer-driver Brent Mangos.

Molly Darling now heads south to take on the glamour fillies Foreal and Mainland Banner in the New Zealand Oaks and Nevele R Fillies Final.