Soho’s to the fore in early heats of APG VicBred

Prominent harness racing trainer Michael Stanley struck early with a double from the first three heats of the APG VicBred Series for three year old colts and geldings at Kilmore on Thursday night.

Now based at Menangle the former Victorian Stanley won the second heat with Soho Trump (Captain Crunch) who once he found the lead was never likely to lose. The confidently backed favourite sailed along in front with stable mate Soho Park Avenue going around the field to race one out facing the breeze.

SOHO TRUMP 27 AUG REPLAY

Luvtobeuptome who was considered the main danger had the perfect trail behind the leader and driver Josh Duggan waited patiently to take the inside lane in the home straight. But Soho Trump had plenty in reserve to comfortably hold off a game Soho Park Avenue with Luvumptome a close third in front of Zihuatanejo. Soho Trump ran a slick 26.9 seconds for the final quarter.

Stanley scored his second win with Soho Charmer (Soho Tribeca) who scored a narrow but game win in the third heat.

Starting from the outside of the second row, Soho Charmer settled back to the rear. In a competitive betting event, favourite Rewatch found the lead for driver Luke McCarthy. Not long after the field settled down Soho Charmer was sent around the field but he was made to work by Neptunite who went at the same time. In the scramble Soho Charmer ended up outside the leader with Neptunite taking a one out and one back trail for the final lap.

Rewatch looked likely to hold on despite the best efforts of Soho Charmer but as they straightened up the latter continued to beaver away. In the meantime Neptunite was switched to the inside running lane and he was storming home but Soho Charmer held on by a half a head with Rewatch a metre away third.

As was in the previous event there was a quick final quarter of 27 seconds.

The win was also a double for breeder owner Robert Watson.

The opening heat was taken out by Emma Stewart’s capable colt Enjoy Life (Always B Miki) who with his eighth success maintained his unbeaten record. Whilst well supported, punters opted for his stable mate Midnight Moth who was prohibitive odds on favourite. But as soon as the mobile was Midnight Moth went into a full stretched gallop repeating his galloping on a number of occasions before tailing out to the rear.

By contrast Enjoy Life settled down in the one out and two back trail and the other stablemate Lowrider had little trouble finding the front. However down the back straight Enjoy Life unleashed a strong sprint to race up quickly alongside Lowrider and quickly put the issue beyond doubt in an impressive win.

Enjoy Life has done most of his racing in Tasmania where he has proved that he’s states best colt with a dominating display in recently taking out the Tasmanian Pacing Derby. The style of his win suggests that he will take beating in the forthcoming Semi Finals and Final.

Following his exhibition, Midnight Moth has been stood down for one trial.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink