Courageous display to win by The Naked Art

Tough mare The Naked Art (Art Major) upset her more fancied rivals with a solid and determined harness racing win in the first heat of the Logical Staffing Solutions Pace at Melton on Saturday evening.

The race saw the return of the lightly raced but highly promising three year old Atua Magic and the up and coming Lougle who was drawn on the second row. The pole draw for Atua Magic was enough for him to be installed a firm favourite.

And he showed plenty of toe early to easily hold out the lead. The Naked Art from her wide barrier was out three wide and eventually driver James Herbertson had to settle going up outside the leader. Lougle was back at the rear.

Atua Magic looked to be cruising along running his first quarter in 30 seconds but then driver Ryan Sanderson allowed him to run his two next two quarters in 28.6 and 28.4 seconds. Meanwhile Lougle started to sustain a long run three wide down the back straight to nearly join the leaders on the final bend with The Naked Art continuing to be prominent.

Atua Magic shifted out in the home straight but then The Naked Art buckled down to her task and she edged out Atua Magic by a head with Lougle only a neck away third in a gripping finish.

THE NAKED ART 15 AUG REPLAY

The Naked Art has been prominent in similar company but this was one of her best performances and she can only improve. Herbertson stated his faith in the mare.

It was very tough. I had just hoped last week hadn’t taken too much out of her. Because it showed what sort of bottom she has sitting out in that open for the last mile.

She lacks a bit of gait speed but she makes up for it with her toughness.

He’s got a nice breed. He’s only got a small stable, he’s only working a handful of horses but he’s got a nice breed and I think she’s another one. She’s a lovely big mare she’s got quite a bit of bottom

Trainer Justin Lane is based at Horsham and Herbertson added

So it’s a fair way down for him but definitely worth it tonight.

Atua Magic has had his fair share of setbacks and while nothing can be taken away from The Naked Art its fair to say that the lack of racing was a main factor in his narrow defeat. If he stays sound he’ll be all the better for that performance.

The former Tasmanian Lougle who hasn’t had a lot of racing showed great heart in sitting wide and just missing out.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink