Jilliby Nitro’s powerful finish prevails in Mildura Cup

Gallant veteran Jilliby Nitro (Bettors Delight) fresh from his recent cup successes at Geelong and Terang added yet another feature with a barnstorming finish to take out the Listed $40,000 CA Fitness Mildura Pacing Cup at the Victorian country venue on Saturday night.

In an action packed event favourite Captain Perfect copped a severe chat as he was being driven through from the second line and was lucky to stay on his feet. Jilliby Nitro was also slightly checked and driver Lochie Cook avoided more trouble by darting to the inside and staying near the rear of the field.

In a furious battle for the lead local favourite My Ultimate Jimmy found he lead with Forty Love caught three wide early. No sooner had Captain Perfect settled down driver Mark Pitt sooled him around the field to have a crack at the lead but Alex Ashwood on My Ultimate Jimmy was intent on holding the front.

JILLIBY NITRO 11 APR REPLAY

In the meantime stablemate Fox Dan was back in the second half of the field one out and being patiently driven.

Captain Perfect put the pressure on in the back straight but he was a sitting shot for those behind. Fox Dan sprinted quickly to charge to the lead but Jilliby Nitro who had been tracking him pulled out wider and he proved too strong for Fox Dan with Forty Love battling on well for third.

Jilliby Nitro ran 1.57.4 for the 2600 metre trip which was outside the record set by Phoenix Prince who ran 1.56.7 in April 2022.

It was yet another classic drive by Lochie Cook who 24 hours earlier had shown similar tact when The Priestess won at Melton.

But it was also a memorable training feat for Marg and Paddy Lee who the night before had taken out the Cambridge Slot race with their wonder mare Keayang Zahara.

Cook commented after the race.

It feels unreal. This horse has just been flying. It’s good to get some money and a win to his name. these long distance races are his go. He probably looks a bit average in the speed races and the 2200 metre races at Melton. When he gets these country cups he just keeps on running.

Obviously I got knocked over at the start and I was a little bit sad about that. But in the run he felt really good. It filled me with lots of confidence. We just got a beautiful trip down the back on the back of Fox Dan. Pulled him out at the 200 metre mark and he just kept going and he was really good.

He’s bought me to these sort of tracks and in the big races where you want to be. I’m very thankful to the four uncles of Marg for giving me this horse to drive. Win lose or draw they’ve been putting me back on. I’m glad that I’ve been able to get some money and couple of wins for them. To come here obviously the pressure is to perform and I’m glad he did.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink