Talented ABR trotter Scruffy Doolan notched his first Queensland win at Albion Park on Saturday.
Trained and driven by Taleah McMullen, Scruffy Doolan, a well backed $2.40 favourite scored a
comfortable 5-1/2 metre win in the Sailors Corner Trotters Band Handicap (2138m).
An impressive all the way win from a stand start, the seven-year-old rated an impressive 2:00.5.
Apart from picking up the first prize of $8.067, Scruffy Doolan also picked up a $2000 trotters bonus
for his first win in Queensland.
The Albion Park meeting paid tribute to legendary harness racing trainer-driver Vic Frost who is
celebrating his 82 th birthday.
As part of the night, McMullen was able to wear Frost’s famous colours of white with black stars
which were carried to victory on such champions as Westburn Grant and Lucky Creed.
McMullen said Scruffy Doolan had quickly established himself as a stable favourite.
“I love him,” McMullen said.
“He is loving life here in Queensland.
“It has taken a while for him to adapt to the style of racing, but he has been going better and better.
“I thought he had a strong winning chance on Saturday and he trotted beautifully.”
Scruffy Doolan trotted away well from barrier one but was strongly challenged down the back
straight by the $26 chance More Shades Of Gold.
“I did think about handing up but really he wasn’t the right horse to hand up to.
“Scruffy had enough speed to hold him out but we did record a very quick lead time of 40.6
seconds.”
McMullen had a first quarter of 29.7 seconds before obtaining a more comfortable 30.8 second
quarter.
She accelerated for a 28.8 second this quarter and was able to come home in 31.1 seconds to win
easily.
“He has had a bit of racing so I will give him a night off this Saturday,” McMullen said.
“I believe now he has adapted to our style of racing he can certainly win a few more.
“He is such a good stand start beginner I believe those events will suit him perfectly. He is trotting
really well.”
McMullen is also training talented pacer Bottle Rock for ABR.
“He is still a work in progress but continues to improve,” she said.
“I will give him another trial before going to the races, but I am happy with the way he is coming
along.
“I’m sure he will be able to win a few races.
“Like Scruffy, he is still learning to adapt to Queensland racing, and we are slowly getting him to
concentrate on what he needs to do.
“I’m sure he has the ability, it is just getting about him to enjoy his racing.”