Prolific winning racesman Michael Bellman achieved his first Group 1 success when his talented trotter Mecarno (Tactical Landing) outpaced his rivals to win the Group 1 $60,000 Victoria Trotters Derby Final at Maryborough on Sunday afternoon.
It was a deserved victory, because Mecarno had to work hard for his success, but he showed great resilience.
Mecarno remained safe in the betting as third favorite despite the second-row draw and settled back into the field early on. Favorite Gatesys Gem was put forward directly by driver Nathan Jack. The other well-supported runner was the impressive heat winner Commodus who also started from the second line.
It was Bellman who took the first initiative in working around the pitch, admittedly standing three wide for a while before settling outside Gatesys Gem. Last year’s Redwood winner Vytas was in the one out and one back, while Commodus was one out and three back.
Gatesys Gem gave a flawless performance at the front. Commodus issued his challenge down the straight and for a while it looked like he might catch the leaders.
Meanwhile, Mecarno gradually increased the pressure on Gatesys Gem and the two rode clear into the final corner to battle it out. It was Mecarno who continued to pull away and gradually confirmed his dominance, beating Gatesys Gem by just under two meters, while Vytas took third a further 15 meters away.
MECARNO NOV 2 REPETITION
The leaders ran their last two quarters in 28.8 and 27.8 seconds and that pace was clearly too fast for the followers.
Mecarno rated 2.00.9 for the 2690 meter trip.
Gatesys Gem fought on well, but found Mecarno too strong that day, while Commodus was unable to make up crucial ground as the fast final quarters led the way.
Michael Bellman is one of harness racing’s best-known identities, having ridden more than 2,048 winners. His victory was well deserved and Mecarno has shown that he is ready to progress through the classes.
Mecarno is by the former consistent trotting mare Sundon’s Pride, whose 16 victories included the South Australian Trotters Oaks and was also successful against pacers in the Globe Derby.
She is also mother of the useful trotter Tiktok. Unfortunately, since Mecarno she has missed three times and had a foal that died.
Mecarno should make his presence felt in the upcoming Vicbred Super Series and Breeders Crown, where he will certainly face Commodus.
At the time of writing, Gatesys Gem is entered for the $NZ500,000 Ascent at Addington on November 11 and then the Group 1 NZ Trotting Oaks a week later. In both features she is likely to meet Victorian Trotters Oaks winner Tracy The Jet.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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