Fox Dan falls in to keep alive Eureka start

Prominent Eureka prospect Fox Dan (Art Major) kept his chances of obtaining a place in the coveted event when he scored a narrow but tough win in the Mimosa Homes Free For All at Melton on Saturday night.

Driven for the first time in his career by Nathan Jack, Fox Dan commenced well enough but in the small field My Ultimate Barney went to the front with Kate Gath seemingly intent on holding the lead. Fox Dan had no option but to sit outside the leader facing the breeze.

Evergreen pacer Yambukian had the one out and one back while New Shuffle who had some support was back on the rails in a zip fastener pocket.

FOX DAN 7 NOV REPLAY

Fox Dan edged closer to My Ultimate Barney as they straightened and he looked certain to score a comfortable win despite having had a hard run. Yambukian went to the inside and made a late dive but Fox Dan hung on to win by a head with My Ultimate Barney third. New Shuffle was still looking for a clear run down the straight as he finished fourth and his run is best forgotten.

Fox Dan ran his last two quarters in 27.2 seconds a sterling effort given the blustery conditions. Fox Dan is part owned by Danny Zavitsanos and he may claim Fox Dan who finished runner up in last year’s Eureka as his slot for this year’s event.

Nathan Jack was bullish in his assessment.

The camp give me a lot of confidence so as everyone knows if they’re confident it makes my job a lot easier, that’s for sure.

As to his prospects for the Eureka, Jack added

I can’t see why not. What a great little racehorse, great manners and a great trier. I can’t see why not.

Jack is driving in superb style as he won the first three races at Melton. In the opening event he scored on the former New Zealander Captain Moonlight (Always B Miki) and then following Fox Dan , steered the mare Rapid Return (Orlando Vici) with a well timed burst to win the Trotters event.

And to cap off a perfect night Jack guided the promising but somewhat wayward Lowrider (Ride High) to win the Nevele R Stud Pace with ridiculous ease.

This was on the back of Jack’s major triumph at Wagga on Friday evening when he guided Little Sassy Boy to an impressive win in the $75,000 Riverina Championship.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink