Merlin (NZ) Explosive in Record-Breaking Win in Million Dollar Feature

Merlin (NZ) (Art Major) was more than magical in his emphatic, record-breaking win in the Listed $1,000,000 The Race by Grins (2200m) at Cambridge on Friday night.

Harness racing fans were treated to another incredible instalment in the epic rivalry between Merlin and Don’t Stop Dreaming (NZ) who fought out an epic homestraight duel in the million-dollar feature.

After speeding down the Cambridge straight, it was Merlin who took top honours over his arch-rival as the NZB Standardbred graduates filled yet another feature race quinella.

Driver Zachary Butcher drove a masterful race, pushing forward early before securing the one-one for Merlin after being denied the lead by Don’t Stop Dreaming and Natalie Rasmussen.

After the Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan trained superstar exploded out of that one-one sit on the home turn, the reinsman was full of praise for both Merlin and his trainers.

“When I pulled him out at the 300m he was just trucking,” Butcher said.

“He felt like a different beast and he just keeps getting better and better.”

“We had intentions to try to lead but Nat was just too quick out for us.”

“We had to adapt and change plans.”

“I have got to give all credit to Barry, Scotty and the team.”

Banking the winner’s share of a million dollar prize and beating a star-studded field in style with Merlin gave Butcher one of the biggest thrills of his incredible harness racing career.

“He is a beast, what a thrill,” driver Zachary Butcher said.

“It might be too early to say it, but that might be my biggest thrill in racing.”

Merlin was purchased by Dean Shannon of Montana Park for $120,000 at the 2021 National Yearling Sale in Christchurch when he was offered by breeder-vendors Taffy Ltd.

Butcher was delighted to be able to deliver Shannon such a big win after his years of support.

“We have had many big wins, but this is the best of the best.”

Merlin stopped the clock in a scintillating 2-35.1 in Friday night’s 2200m feature, setting a new all-comers New Zealand record for 2200m.

Don’t Stop Dreaming only gained respect with his tenacious second to Merlin in The Race by Grins.

The Mark and Nathan Purdon trained pacer set up the event’s national record-breaking speed before fighting out an enthralling homestraight battle with Merlin.

Only a neck separated the two NZB Standardbred graduates at the finish of the $1,000,000 The Race by Grins.

Don’t Stop Dreaming was bought by the All Stars Racing Stables for $250,000 when he was offered among Studholme Bloodstock’s draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale in Christchurch.