Favourites all to the fore in VicBred two year old colts and geldings heats

Hot favourite Smack Bang Bart (Rock N Roll Heaven) proved far too strong for his harness racing opponents in the opening heat of the APG VicBred Super Series for two year old colts and geldings at Melton on Friday evening.

It was a very strange run affair with four different leaders at various stages of the race. Fully Reckless found the lead but driver Ryan Sanderson gave away that position to Soho Cruiser who in turn passed on to Letitrideluv who paced roughly just as he was about to cross over. Smack Bang Bart was wide early but then his driver Jack Barton pressed on and with only a lap left to travel he was able to get across.

Fortunately for Smack Bang Bart they hadn’t travelled that quickly thus he had a fair amount in reserve at the business end of the race. Outsiders Alloa and Farroh Joe both set out in pursuit but try as they could Smack Bang Bart was kept going and he was able to score a reasonably comfortable win over Alloa and Farroh Joe who were both gallant in their placings.

Fully Reckless who at one stage led but then found itself locked away four back on the rails only started to obtain a clear run near the final bend rattled home for fourth and he should be more prominent in the semi finals next Saturday evening.

Smack Bang Bart created an impression winning at his first two starts in both the Heat and Final of the Nutrien series at Wagga in late May and he looks to have a bright future in front of him.

SMACK BANG BART 28 AUG REPLAY

It didn’t take long for the Emma Stewart Mark Pitt team to get on the scoring board and their colt Some High (Ride High) duly saluted in the second heat of the VicBred series.

He was up against the New South Wales colt Soho Bellagio who was most impressive winning on his debut at Menangle.

However he didn’t seem to show a great deal of early speed and was allowed to drop out near the rear. Baystyle was quickly away. Some High was about to obtain a one out and one back trail but he was dragged back so driver Mark Pitt whizzed him around the field to take up the running.

There wasn’t much doubt after that he would be the one to beat as Soho Bellagio was still second last at the bell giving the leader over 20 metres start. At that point he was allowed to stride up closer by driver Michael Stanley to get within about three metres behind Some High. But the effort told and Some High simply skipped clear for an easy win.

For an outsider Baywatch fought on gamely for second while Soho Bellagio came in third. Despite the loss his run was full of merit as Some High ran his last quarter in 26.9 seconds.

Some High has now won three races from five starts for his connections Peter Gleeson and Clayton Tonkin.

And as expected the Stewart Pitt combination again teamed to win the third heat of the VicBred Series this time with capable colt Cardigan Sniper (Ultimate Sniper).

Possessed of plenty of ability Cardigan Sniper is inclined to loaf around but when he’s got his mind on the job he really knuckles down to his task and this was in evidence last night.

Ideally drawn in three it took some time before Cardigan Sniper found the lead. His main danger Lake Como settled back at the rear of the field.

Stablemate Auston went around the field to drop in for the trail. James Herbertson let fly in the back straight with strong sprint in an attempt to catch the leaders napping. Although out very wide he kept battling away but was never likely to trouble Cardigan Sniper who held advantage on the line by just under five metres with Auston third.

Cardigan Sniper is raced by his breeder Warren Stewart. He is the seventh of the progeny of his dam Pastels and she also has a yearling colt by Pebble Beach.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink