Comeandsee earns Protostar Invitation

Unbeaten filly Comeandsee (Cattlewash) staked her claim for this year’s $500,000 Group 1 Protostar at Albion Park next month when she gave a faultless display of front running to take out the $20,000 Durham Park Rising Star two year old pace at Ballarat on Thursday evening.

An invitation for the winner to represent the Durham Park Ballarat Harness Racing Club Slot for the Protostar was the prize on offer and once again local trainer Emma Stewart dominated the event with four of the eight runners.

And punters were spot on as Comeandsee was the only runner that punters seriously considered. The race was marred by two false starts and unfortunately second favourite Kahlua who looked so impressive winning the Nutrien Final at Wagga last month galloped in the score up and continued her wayward way when the mobile was released tailing out a long last.

COMEANDSEE 11 JUN REPLAY

Mark Pitt on Comeandsee had no hesitation going to the front. The inform Geoff Webster trained youngster Baystyle settled behind the leader while the leaders stablemates Cardigan Sniper racing outside the leader and Some High with a one out and one back trail.

Pitt allowed Comeandsee to run a leisurely 30.8 seconds for the second quarter then letting her go 28.6 seconds for the third quarter as the pace quickened. Baystyle looked to be the only danger on the final bend as he hooked out to make a run but Comeandsee looked splendid and full of running down the home straight as she sprinted to the line by just under six metres. Baystyle battled on gamely for second with Some High out wide for third placing.

By running her last quarter in a scorching 26.7 seconds Comeandsee stamped herself as well above average and she now must be seriously considered for the Protostar. If successful Comeandsee would repeat the win of Emma Stewart and Mark Pitt last year when they took out the Protostar with the brilliant Loucasso.

Ballarat Harness Racing Club’s initiative with Durham Park Standardbreds has proved to be a worthy and anticipated race and it is now established as one of Victoria’s key lead up event for the Protostar.

 

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink