A good crowd, nice weather, and some real competitiveness made for a great night of harness racing at the Rocky Baker Memorial Oval Paceway on Friday night.
Congratulations to Boris Devcic who took out the Rocky Baker Memorial Pacing Cup aboard Buster Reason.
Drawn in barrier one and unable to retain the lead, Buster Reason sat on the leaders backs throughout the 2500m distance.
Yoursnmine led from barrier two and looked set to do so from start to finish but in the final lap and on the last bend Boris really asked of the gelding, and then it wasn’t until the short straight that he really dug in to create a thrilling finish.
He won by a half head with Boris providing one of the greatest salutes crossing the line
many have seen.
Race one was the one for the locals with Takemepitchamister taking home the honours for the Camilleri stable. Elect To Rock finished second, also for the Camilleri stable, and third was Shes All Star for fellow local trainer Alan Rennie.
Race two went to Moreartsthanclass for trainer Reece Moore, giving young South Australian driver Corey Johnson his first win on the local track. Second went to Courtney Katarina for Mark Riseley and third was Wemen Bella.
Race three proved to be difficult to get underway with three false starts called. It seemed to be fourth time lucky when the green light was sighted and Celestial Daybreak made the most of it going straight to the lead and running them along.
After the bell, Dallas Patrick was able to get out on the back straight and start his chase, literally lunging on the line to take the win over Celestial Daybreak for second. Third was the emergency Rapacious who you could almost say was held up for a run.
Southern Burgundy for Mark Riseley proved to be a popular winner in the fifth race. Leading from start to finish the mare was untroubled, winning easily over Our Master Play who ran into some trouble early, while Machstique took third.
Race six went to Luke Watson aboard Yering Soho who sat leaders back throughout and much like earlier races, obtained a run on the back straight to win over a fast finishing Balmy Bob for young driver Luke Dunne. Third home was Kitch Macray who led throughout but was unable to hold on.
The last of the night gave Corey Johnson a driving double win aboard the Brendan Tune trained Beaudienesgold. Leading from barrier four and proving too strong for the locally trained Brie for Michael Honson. Third went to Fortitudo.
The push bike giveaways once again proved a hit with so many smiling faces of the children lucky enough to win a bike. Thank you once again to Jensen Baker for making this happen.
The harness racing club said they would like to thank everyone involved in making the night such a success. From those with horses, whether locally or those who have travelled, to the volunteers, the amazing Nat and her bar staff, and especially the patrons.
We pride ourselves on making this a night for everyone to enjoy, and we really think we have achieved that once again.
With only two meetings left in the local season, we hope to see you when we return to our usual programming this Saturday night.
