2017 Howard Ashton Final - Review
2017 HOWARD ASHTON – REVIEW
Leading local trainer Ben Rawlings made it back to back victories in the Group 3 Howard Ashton final last night at Angle Park when speedster Crunchin Numbers led all the way in the feature final emulating kennel mate Wilba Beast who won in 2016.
In one of the most even fields assembled in recent years Crunchin Numbers was well found in the market starting one of the favourites from box 4. He showed his usual brilliant speed from the boxes to lead running to the first turn. Both Victa Ollie (box 5) for Ron Schadow and Deputy Speaker (box 6) for Ben Rawlings both got beautiful runs across to move into a forward position while race favourite Farmin for Lauren Harris was shuffled back after a slow beginning
Into the back straight and Crunchin Numbers was high balling out in front with Victa Ollie, Deputy Speaker and Usain’s Squeeze for Nicole Newlyn all in hot pursuit. Some felt the early burn may have told on Crunchin Numbers and would be caught over the final stages however he was full of running down to the finish line recording a stirring 1 length victory from Victa Ollie and Usain’s Squeeze back in third. He recorded a solid 30.19 for the 515m journey and to highlight the evenness of the field there were only 6 lengths covering first to last.
Crunchin Numbers is owned by Debbie Stuppos from Whyalla and was bred by Ben’s mother Tanya with a nice crowd on hand to celebrate their success.
With the $25,000 first prize Crunchin Numbers has now won 15 races from his 25 starts including 6 minor placings and prizemoney around $40,000.