Former Riverina pacer Catchafire (Bettors Delight) showed that he’s capable of matching it
in stronger Metropolitan class when he led all the way in the Success Stud Yearling Prep at
Menangle on Saturday evening.

Now in the stables of Jason Grimson, Catchafire confidently backed into favouritism. He was
handled by the in driver of the moment Jye Coney who made sure that the bay gelding was
able to hold the lead.

Dance With Carmer had the trail behind the leader while the well supported New Shuffle
was wide early before being one out.

Coney looked to steady the favourite after he ran a scorching 25.4 seconds for the first
quarter.

After such a fast pace Catchafire was entitled to be overwhelmed at the finish but he
displayed great resilience to fend off Dance With Carma and New Shuffle.

CATCHAFIRE 21 FEB REPLAY

New Shuffle was formerly trained in Victoria and he showed plenty of ability in good quality.
Now in the capable hands of David Aiken he should open his winning account for his new
stable very soon.

Jye Coney commented after the race

It was a very impressive win. He’s got a fair bit of gait speed and they usually use it and
take a sit but tonight he was involved in a fast first quarter and took a sit and eventually
worked his way to the top. And he fought them off right all the way to the line. It was a very
nice win.

I haven’t had a chance to talk to Jason yet but he said when he got it it was his aim to go
for the Hondo Grattan tonight. But obviously he needed to earn his spot and I think he’s
done enough to earn that.

Catchafire was formerly trained by Jackson Painting of Leeton and another of his former
charges Thalassophobia (Fear The Dragon) scored a thrilling last gasp win in the Ultra Air
Pace over Force Full and Precise in a blanket finish. Thalassophobia is now prepared by
Jarrod Allchin and was driven by Bailey McDonough.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink