Bettor Pack It continues superb Albany form with fifth win

Bettor Pack It continued her superb record in Albany by claiming the $10,000 Lion Christmas Cup (2265m) in thrilling fashion to kick-start the new Albany Harness Racing Club season last Friday night.

The four-year-old mare won three races straight in Albany last season and then finished runner-up to Culpeka in the Albany Cup.

Trained by Wonnerup’s Terry Ferguson, above, Bettor Pack It was on her second start this campaign after placing fourth in Pinjarra when resuming this month.

Driver Nathan Turvey had Bettor Pack It settle in behind the early leaders after starting from the second row in the feature race on opening night at Harold Reid Paceway.

Turvey bided his time on the pegs and then in the home straight on the final lap, he used the sprint lane to perfection after peeling inside Carramar Arapaho and then charged to the line to win by a neck.

Bettor Pack It jumped an $8 chance on the tote and has now won five of his 10 starts in Albany.

Hong Kong Dolly ($3.40 chance) was second and Carramar Arapaho third.

Raging $1.34 favourite Adda Tarantella began the night in winning fashion for Albany trainer Charlie Draper. Reinsman Ashleigh Markham dictated terms in front with the four-year-old mare who won by 8.5m in the Koffee Boost Pace (2265m).

Lowlands trainer Cheyenne King-Davies claimed race four with Navajo Outawagga who outlasted Lovemelovemenot.

Trainer-driver Tim Stone was successful with $2.05 favourite Rokorico in the Albany Stockfeeds Pace (2265m)), the gelding leading all of the way to down Deenaalee by 4.7m.

In the two-year-old event, Make It Quick smashed his rivals by 11m.

The result brought up a driving treble for Harper on the eight-race program.

Albany’s next meeting is on Saturday, January 2.