Cormoran Strike in form as he wins again

Brad Hewitt’s latest addition to the trotting ranks Cormoran Strike (Creatine) scored his fourth win from his last five starts with a sterling staying performance taking out the Nutrien Equine Trotters Mobile at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Cormoran Strike commenced safely at the dispatch and went straight to the front. Once there most punters thought he would try to lead all the way but Hewitt was content to give away the lead when the former Italian trotter Gandhi Mail sailed past him.

Cameron Hart drove his typical tactical race giving Gandhi Mail an easy run as possible out in front. I Am Hellbound was back at the rear and he started to move around the field giving the ideal cart to Speedy Lover.

CORMORAN STRIKE 29 AUG REPLAY

Pesco Pollo who was going for this third win on end was sent out favourite and driver Robert Morris angled for the one out and two back trail.

Gandhi Mail still looked to be travelling comfortably on the final bend but Cormoran Strike was right on his hammer as he pulled out for his challenge at the top of the straight. He took some time to get going as Gandhi Mail continued to fight on but gradually he gained the upper hand and at the finish had just over two metres to spare from Gandhi Mail with Almighty Fear over ten metres away in third.

The winner ran his last quarter in an impressive 27.7 seconds and the former New Zealander is handsomely paying his way. His purple patch of form is some consolation to Hewitt as his star trotter The Locomotive who won the 2024 Inter Dominion has been plagued with fitness issues.

A solidly built type Cormoran Strike who thrives on racing looks well suited to similar company and he’s likely to start one of the favourites if he presents in the Menangle Trotters Cup to be staged in four weeks time.

Gandhi Mail was from disgraced but on the night he found Cormoran Strike. He should crack a metropolitan success soon.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink