New Zealand pacer Pinseeker (Downbytheseaside) showed that he is ready for a Miracle Mile campaign when he showed great heart in winning the Bestinbeds Free For All at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Despite his recent good form at Addington was an alarming drifter in the markets when punters opted for Betterthancash. Although possessed of electrifying speed Pinseeker was eased back early by driver Jonny Cox.

Betterthancash was quick to commence but he allowed the speedster Ripp to take up the running. Ubetcha Tigerpie was caught outside the leader. When Ripp looked to take a breather after a blistering 26.1 seconds for the first quarter, Cox let loose on Pinseeker and he sprinted to the lead. This meant that Betterthancash was back three on the rails while Ubetcha Tigerpie was still out of luck outside the leader.

PINSEEKER 21 FEB REPLAY

At the top of the straight Betterthancash secured an inside run to look a threat but Pinseeker was able to fight on and he recorded a narrow win over the luckless Ubetcha Tigerpie with Bainbridge a close third. Both Ripp and Betterthancash appeared to fade on their runs.

Pinseeker ran an over mile rate of 1.49.3 and the six year old gelding is in top form. No doubt Cox will be looking towards the Miracle Mile but before he needs to qualify in the mile races the week before on 7 March.

Pinseeker travelled over on Monday night where he stayed at Luke McCarthy’s complex. Cox arrived on Friday morning.

Cox was pleased to get over the first hurdle of Pinseeker winning first up at Menangle.

“I was super proud of him. We were three wide early really had to burn to get past Ripp. I sort had to make a decision as to whether we sit parked or press on. I thought I needed a decent run so I pressed on. We got a little bit of a breather from the 600 to 400 metres he didn’t really go when I asked him to go. But its different racing here, its hard racing. Three 28 quarters take their toll. He dug in half way down, I thought I was going to get swamped but I’m proud of the way he dug in.”

“He’ll definitely have to improve on that run. He raced last week over home. So two weeks to the heats now. We’ll be able to get some good work into him. They’ll be running in the heats. As long as he improves on tonight hopefully he’ll be thereabouts. I’m glad to be here.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink