Huge final 800m by Hurricane Harley

Hurricane Harley (Bettor’s Delight) produced a scintillating final 800m to dominate Saturday night’s (Jan. 28) Allied Express Casey Classic, with his first Victorian harness racing victory in more than two years putting his name forward as a major player in next weekend’s Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup.

The star seven-year-old was only having his second start back for trainer Emma Stewart following a Western Australian campaign and showed he’s still got what it takes to compete at the elite level with a dashing display in the Group 2 feature at Melton.

After being unchallenged through the early stages from barrier one, Mark Pitt released the breaks in the last lap and the flashy bay reeled off closing quarters of 27.0 and 26.7 to record a winning mile rate of 1:54.1.

Hurricane Harley zooms home to claim his first victory in Victoria since December 2020 and puts his name forward for a berth in next week’s A. G. Hunter Cup with a brilliant win in the Allied Express Casey Classic for Emma Stewart and Mark Pitt. pic.twitter.com/rADNAODgqW

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) January 28, 2023

He had more than 3m to spare over A Gs White Socks, with Torrid Saint third.

“He felt amazing tonight. He felt like the old Harley again,” Pitt said.

“He’s had those couple of runs now, and if he’s lucky enough to get a run in the Hunter Cup, they’re going to know he’s there for sure.

“I see tonight he just blew up a little bit over the back, so he’s going to be better again for the run.”

The win was Hurricane Harley’s 25th in a 55-start career and his first in this state since December 2020.

He has now collected more than $600,000 in prizemoney.

The horse is one of 22 nominated for next Saturday night’s Hunter Cup, with final acceptances taken for the Grand Circuit classic on Monday at 2pm.

The field will be revealed at thetrots.com.au on Monday afternoon before the barrier draw is broadcast live on Sky Racing from 9.30am Tuesday.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tim O’Connor for Harness Racing Victoria