By Tim O’Connor (HRV)
The rejuvenation of A Gs White Socks continued to unfold at Victorian harness racing headquarters last Saturday night as the well-travelled nine-year-old added yet another victory to a fruitful month or two at the races.
The former New Zealand-based pacer streeted his rivals in the TAB Golden Reign Free For All at Tabcorp Park Melton, with an early move from the back line paying dividends as Greg Sugars completed a bloodless coup in his battle for the front.
And from there it was basically game over for his rivals as A Gs White Socks slipped away approaching the turn and cruised down to the line to win by more than 5m over Max Delight, who hit the line nicely second-up from a spell.
A Gs White Socks had won just one race since his famous 2020 Ballarat Pacing Cup triumph before joining Myrniong trainer Jess Tubbs, but has now landed four from his last five starts.
“We are really proud of the job we’ve been able to do with this horse since joining our stable and he’s got a special place in our heart,” Sugars said.
“He’s a bit of a character and there’s a great group of people (who own him), and it’s such a pleasure to have him back racing probably somewhere near career-best form.”
Sugars said A Gs White Socks was a confidence horse, with a big emphasis required on keeping him happy.
“After doing a little bit of tinkering with things, we’ve sort of got a routine that seems to be agreeing with him now. And as you can see, we are getting great results on the track,” he said.
A Gs White Socks, who only joined the Tubbs stable from Belinda McCarthy’s barn late last year, has now won 17 of 96 career starts for prizemoney earnings of more than $680,000.
Anthony Butt landed a driving double at Melton with Joe Pace-trained Justalittlesip and Sonya Smith-prepared Hammers Law, while Chris Svanosio trained and drove Aroha Koe and Heavenly Charm to victory.
