SA Trots - Rest time for Reoffender

WITH an interstate trip cancelled, "rest and relaxation" are on the agenda for outstanding freshman Reoffender.

Originally planning to head to Victoria before the season's end in a bid to secure a Vicbred bonus with the two-year-old, co-trainers Jill Neilson and Katie Wilson have scrapped their border-crossing plans.

As such, Reoffender will be given a long break before embarking on an interstate campaign in 2025.

Neilson stated the schedule change is two-fold following last Saturday night's Southern Cross Final win at Globe Derby.

"He is done for the season and has already gone to a paddock for some RNR," Neilson said. "After winning the Final there are pretty much no suitable options he is eligible in Victoria during the next month.

"Plus, the idea was to try and get the bonus before the planned cut, but now that Harness Racing Victoria have reinstated it to $7000 again next season, there is no rush.

"So now he will have a long break and we can head over there in the New Year."

Driven by Wayne Hill during his latest triumph, Reoffender was settled in the perfect one-one trail as Feel The Moment led and Lickadee Split raced keenly in the 'death seat'.

Angled three-wide along the back straight, Reoffender quickly ranged up to the front runner as they broke away from the pack turning for home.

Proving too strong during the latter stages, the son of Aldebaran Eagle scored by a neck from a gallant Feel The Moment.

A stablemate of the winner, Quartararo, was 33-and-a-half metres away third.

"He has such a strong will to win and loves hitting the line, which he showed once again," Neilson said.

Rating 2:02.7 over 1800 metres, the trotter stretched his record to an impeccable six wins and a second from seven starts for earnings of $25,668.

Reoffender's success was the second leg of a double for Neilson and Wilson, who prepared the quinella in the opening event on the card.

With Dani Hill in the cart, Honeybun scored by eight-and-a-half metres from her stablemate Black Betty.

Kahina was 10 metres away third in 1:57.8 over 2230 metres.

"We felt they were probably the better two in the field and they finished accordingly," Neilson said. "We thought Honey would be superior but Betty gave her all and made it into a fight for a while."

• PAUL COURTS