Keayang Stuka in impressive return to form

Classy trotter Keayang Stuka (Wishing Stone) having his first start for nearly five months showed that he is ready to take his place amongst the best with an all the way win in the Bendigo Locksmiths Trotters Free For All at the Lords Raceway on Saturday evening.

The race was highlighted with the presence of outstanding mare Tracy The Jet after her successful stint in New Zealand in late November including the Ascent at Addington.

Lochie Cook was engaged to drive Keayang Stuka as driver Jason Lee elected to steer stablemate Imperial Monarch.

Tracy The Jet was a firm favourite but there was support for the Chris Svanosio trained Luvmeto.

Keayang Stuka flew the mobile gate to reach the front. Tracy The Jet who was on the second row was eased to the rear by James Herbertson. Imperial Monarch was caught wide early before eventually moving up to race outside the leader. Cook was able to run a second quarter in 32.3 seconds which meant that those behind would face a tough task to gather in the leaders. And that’s exactly how it turned out with Tracy The Jet coming out very wide on the final bend from near the rear.

But at this stage Keayang Stuka and Imperial Monarch had cleared away to fight out the finish. Despite having by far the harder run Imperial Monarch refused to give in and Keayang Stuka had just enough in reserve to win by a head over a brave Imperial Monarch with Luvmeto coming in third.

KEAYANG STUKA 18 APR REPLAY

Although doing her best work at the finish Tracy The Jet never looked like to gather in the leaders and she finished sixth just over six metres from the winner.

Lochie Cook who is driving in tremendous form commented after the race.

It was quick but once he got to the front he was able to get a little breather. He still had enough in the tank to hold them all off. He felt good travelling the bit quite nice the whole way. Obviously me and Jason (on Imperial Monarch) were equal at the top of the straight and they both fought it out well.

He came third in the Inter Dominion two years ago. We think he’s a really nice horse. Last prep he built and built and was showing promise but never got to that level we’d thought he’d get to. So we turned him out.

His track work at home has been really good. So hopefully he can go to the next step. I always felt that this fella needed the front to have a chance.

Keayang Stuka finished a credible third in the Inter Dominion Final in December 2024 behind The Locomotive. With his illustrious stablemate Keayang Zahara likely to miss this year’s edition of the Inter Dominion, Keayang Stuka would be a worthy representative for the Lee Stable.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink