The Redan based trainer saluted in race two at the Russell T White Raceway in class record time for the 1790m journey for two year olds, only 0.5sec outside the track record.

Stanley's well fancied charge, Thebackpagescribe from barrier 11 sat three wide early then took up the spot outside second favourite and leader Katsina driven by Matthew Craven from about the 1600m mark.

He stayed outside the leader for the remainder of the race and shot clear nearing the top of the straight and turned for home a good 12 metres clear of his nearest rival to pull further away and finish 18 metres clear of Vapar Grin (Glen Craven) and a further three metres away in third Ricks Shadow (Joe Attard).

Stewards queried the run of fifth place getter Katsina who after leading, tired badly. Driver Matthew Craven explained that the horse began to over race when pressured by Thebackpagescribe and could be nearing the end of her preparation.

In race one's Stephen Dalton Gasfitter Trotters Handicap, contested over 2165 metres, Kerryn Manning's Knapdale Girl NZ trailed the field throughout after galloping excessively in the early stages.

In what proved to be representative of Manning's evening at the track Knapdale Girl NZ crossed the finish line well back in eighth place.

Argyle Melody arrived home first from Im Anonymiss NZ in second and Only One Aussie in third.

Race five winner Cute Art had an impressive run. The horse has had a history of injury complaints and trainer Tracy Collins has persisted with it regardless.

Collins is the daughter of Ararat Harness Racing Club's immediate past president Bob Collins.

Race goers were witness to more disappointment for the Mannings in race six, the Barry Davidson Electrical three year old pace over 2195 metres, when from 10 starters the Manning trained and driven Camellasking placed last.

There was further agony for Manning, when in the final race of the afternoon stewards delayed the all clear to review the latter stages of the score up where Willow Robyn NZ (Manning) galloped and shifted out checking Cyclades (Mitchell Barker).

After viewing the available replays and taking submissions from driver Mitchell Barker and trainer Kelvin Barker, stewards were satisfied that Cyclades had been denied a fair start and declared Willow Robyn NZ a non-runner.

All clear was declared on the judge's placings Jilliby Master in first from Jeans Mattjesty NZ second and Deejay Dilinger in third.

The prize-money from the August race meeting was spread between eight different stables. Ararat Harness Racing Club's next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, September 29.