Final Deadline too strong for Fate Awaits

Fate Awaits Eureka prospects took a blow when he could only finish third behind the highly rated Final Deadline (Bettors Delight) in the Catch The Fire Somerset Farms three year old pace at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

In a small harness racing field of five, Fate Awaits was expected to prevail in his final run up the Eureka on September 6 at Menangle. However as the field was despatched Final Deadline showed brilliant early speed to easily hold the lead with Grant Dixon on Fate Awaits having no option but to race outside the leader.

Over the mile, Adam Sanderson on Final Deadline was able to maintain a steady clip and make Fate Awaits work in the run.

Fate Awaits gradually started to close the gap on Final Deadline as they went the third quarter in 27 seconds. But at that critical point, Final Deadline edged away slightly and it was clear on straightening that Fate Awaits wouldn’t catch the leader.

In fact Fate Await’s stablemate Race for Riches finished second three metres behind Final Deadline with Grant Dixon allowing Fate Awaits to come in third.

Final Deadline returned a most impressive 1.51.5 for the mile trip.

FINAL DEADLINE AUG 23 REPLAY

Despite his loss, Fate Awaits won’t lose too many admirers on the strength of his tough run. Shortly after the race Wayne Loader announced that his slot choice for the Eureka will be Fate Awaits reflecting their faith in the colt’s ability to be a worthy performer for them at Menangle in two weeks time.

Final Addition is New Zealand bred and arrived in Brisbane just last month where his preparation was taken over by Shannon Price. He showed enough ability to suggest that he would make his mark in his own age group and this was evidenced in his opening and well deserved Australian win.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink