Sheetweb Weaver shocks his fancied rivals in Menangle Trotters Cup

Local trotter Sheetweb Weaver (Yankee Spider) led his harness racing opponents a merry dance when he led all the way to win the Group 3 Club Menangle Trotters Cup at Sydney headquarters on Saturday evening.

Friendless in the betting, Sheetweb Weaver was one of four runners for renowned trainer of trotters Anton Golino who also saddled up Impact Stride, Rakero Blaze and Toro Stride. Apart from Rakero Blaze who galloped at the start none of his other runners were fancied.

Former Victorian driver Michael Stanley was having only second drive on Sheetweb Weaver and in the huge field of 14 runners guided him to the lead with pole marker Courage Stride taking the trail behind the leader.

The heavily backed favourite Gus from Queensland was not that quick away from his 10 metre mark scrambling at the start while Inter Dominion winner Arcee Phoenix commenced safely from the 30 metres to tag on to the field. In contrast I’m Bobby who had won his last seven starts, commenced quickly and driver Amanda Turnbull sent him around the field. For a fleeting moment it looked as if she might test for the lead but Stanley had no intention of surrendering the front thus I’m Bobby was forced to race outside the leader.

The field was spread out but the other three main contenders Parisian Artiste, Gus and Arcee Phoenix were well back. Chris Svanosio started to make a run from the 600 metre mark on Arcee Phoenix but it was obvious that they were spotting the leaders a huge start. In fact the only one of the trio that started a run out wide on the final bend was Gus. However Sheetweb Weaver had established a break. Momentarily it looked as if Courage Stride might issue a challenge but Sheetweb Weaver kept going to win by four meters from Courage Stride with Gus in third place.

SHEETWEB WEAVER SEP 27 REPLAY

Given Sheetweb Weaver’s last quarter in 28.2 seconds it was clear that the following pack couldn’t make up ground. He ran an overall mile rate of 1.57.9 for the 2300 metres. Gus was superb in running third while the runs of Parisian Artiste and Arcee Phoenix are probably best forgotten.

Sheetweb Weaver’s trainer Anton Golino was previously based in Victoria and is regarded as one of the finest trainers of trotters. He’s now established a very formidable team of squaregaiters at Menangle.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink