Ata Rangi has won the entire Ararat Cup.

Tough pacer Ata Rangi (Art Major) was introduced to better things to come with a dogged performance by winning this year’s $20,000 Ararat Advocate Pacing Cup at the Western Victorian circuit on Friday evening.

The race was robbed of interest with some key scratches, backing Meteor Moth to a strong favourite, but there was solid support for Ata Rangi.

Ata Rangi showed a lot of sprint early on and was brought into the lead by his driver Jordan Leedham. Madrigal of the Pole chose to follow a trail. Meteor Moth was caught three wide early on before driver Mark Pitt took the lead and attempted to pass Ata Rangi.

However, Jordan Leedham was determined to hold on to the lead and he pedaled up to maintain the front position. Madigan, who won the Echuca Pacing Cup earlier this year, made a three-wide run at the bell but was stuck there.

Ata Rangi was under pressure on the final lap as Meteor Moth began to lose ground. Madigan continued to grind away and looked as if he could win the home leg at the top but Ata Rangi fought back and in a desperate finish prevailed by half a head from Madigan who was brave in defeat. Madrigal was third, just ahead of Maxy Wants To Play, who was held up for a run down the home straight.

Ata Rangi rated 1.55.9 for the 2195 meter journey.

ATA RANGI FEB 27 REPEAT

Ata Rangi is looking for a place in the $125,000 Running of the Bulls Slot Race at Birchip on March 9 and during that run he would be tough to beat if given a start.

Driver Jordan Leedham reflected that sentiment after his win.

That’s what racing is all about. Such an action-packed race. I was good enough to have a horse under me to ride him like that to get the job done. We had the advantage in the draw over the other threat (Meteor Moth). On these tighter circuits, sitting at the front is a big challenge. And to stay there as long as possible.

The writing on the wall after that performance. He had to set fire to the gate, while the police pressed all the way out. Of course it can handle these tight tracks without any problems. So the writing is on the wall as to whether they want to pick him or not. (for a place in the Birchip Running of the Bulls race).

The $20,000 Ararat Pre Mix King Trotters Cup was won in style by More Wanted (Creatine) from 20 metres.

Driver Jack Laugher gained a trail one out and two back while Avant Guard was caught outside the leader. Avant Guard went in front but More Wanted, who were three wide out, kept coming and took victory on the line in a driving finish. Our Marvella flashed home for a close third just a yard away.

It was a popular victory for trainer Vince Dicocco.

Pinnie, who had to come 40 meters away, struggled to keep up and finished clear last. After the event, she was found to be suffering from atrial fibrillation and was suspended for 14 days.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink