Keayang Renegade catches attention as he maintains his unbeaten record

It maybe a bit premature but one wonders whether harness racing has seen the emergence of a rising star with the effortless win of Keayang Renegade (American Ideal) in the Garrards Horse and Hounds Final at Bendigo on Saturday evening.

Prior to the final Keayang Renegade had won his four only appearances to date but it was the manner of his wins that has grabbed the attention of harness racing pundits.

Driver Jason Lee was in no hurry early as he allowed the four year old gelding to settle and he whipped around the field to take up the running.

But once in front Keayang Renegade stamped his authority. Sanchez who had worked three wide at the bell continued to sustain his run and although he stuck with Keayang Renegade, the latter was going so easily.

Keayang Renegade simply cruised to the line just over six metres ahead of a brave Sanchez with Insider Trading coming in third. Keayang Renegade rated 1.52.7 for the 1650 metre trip with an impressive 26.6 seconds for his last quarter.

That was impressive. Keayang Renegade stretches his unbeaten run to five in the Garrards Horse & Hound Final at Bendigo tonight. That's a training treble for Marg & Paddy Lee, this time with Jason Lee in the cart. pic.twitter.com/v95R7nXjxa

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Jason Lee explained after the event.

He didn’t race as a younger horse too much. He only one start as a three year old. But the way the rating system is you can end up in this grade pretty quick. He had the draw over the better ones tonight. He’s probably entitled to win but it’s his ability is what’s getting it done.

His race craft is good, he’s learning all the time. Just don’t want to get him too revvy. I think he’s got pretty serious gate speed if we need but happy to do if we need. We’ll try to keep looking after him, hopefully we’ve got a horse that can go around in some nice races.

He’s pretty clean going and doesn’t need boots we left them off tonight and he was good. He’s a lovely going big horse. He took a little bit to get going as a baby. We had to geld him. And in his early days he had no idea of being a race horse. He’s doing it pretty well. He’s come back a real gentleman now. For him to run away and win like he is and still be doing it good is just great.

No doubt the Lee stable will have plenty to think about where Keayang Renegade is next likely to appear and although it might be a bit premature to suggest the Eureka later in November if he continues his winning run then the four year old could well be one of our brightest stars.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink