Ata Rangi’s all the way win in Ararat Cup.

Tough pacer Ata Rangi (Art Major) served notice of better things to come with a dogged harness racing performance to take out this years $20,000 Ararat Advocate Pacing Cup on Friday evening at the western Victorian track.

The race was robbed of interest with some key scratchings which resulted in Meteor Moth being backed into a strong favourite but there was solid support for Ata Rangi.

Showing plenty of dash early Ata Rangi was taken to the lead by his driver Jordan Leedham. Madrigal from the pole elected to take a trail. Meteor Moth was caught three wide early before driver Mark Pitt had a crack for the lead and he attempted to cross Ata Rangi.

However Jordan Leedham was determined to hold the lead and he kicked up to maintain front position. Madigan who won the Echuca Pacing Cup earlier in the year made a run three wide at the bell but was stuck there.

Ata Rangi was under pressure in the final lap as Meteor Moth started to give ground. Madigan continued to grind away and looked as if he might win at the top of the home straight but Ata Rangi fought back and in a desperate finished prevailed by half a head from Madigan who was gallant in defeat. Madrigal was third just in advance of Maxy Wants To Play who was held up for a run down the home straight.

Ata Rangi rated 1.55.9 for the 2195 metre trip.

ATA RANGI 27 FEB REPLAY

Ata Rangi is looking for a place in $125,000 Running of the Bulls Slot Race at Birchip on 9 March and on that run he would be hard to beat if he obtains a start.

Driver Jordan Leedham reflected that opinion following his win.

That’s what racing is all about.  A race like that action packed. I was good enough to have  a horse under me to drive him like that to be able to get the job done. We had the advantage in the draw over the other danger (Meteor Moth). Around these tighter tracks it’s a big tick to be in front. And to try to stay there as long as you can.

The writings on the wall after that performance. He had to burn the gate, cop pressure the whole way out. Obviously he handles these tight tracks no problems at all. So the writings on the wall if they want to pick him or not. (for a slot in the Birchip Running of the Bulls race).

The $20,000 Ararat Pre Mix King Trotters Cup was won in fine style by More Wanted (Creatine) who came off 20 metres.

Driver Jack Laugher obtained a trail one out and two back while Avant Guard was caught outside the leader. Avant Guard went to the front but More Wanted who was out three wide kept coming and in a driving finish snatched victory on the line. Our Marvella flashed home for a close third just one metre away.

It was a popular win for trainer Vince Dicocco.

Pinnie who had to come off 40 metres was struggling to keep up and finished a clear last. After the event she was found to be suffering from atrial fibrillation and was stood down for 14 days.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink