Mecarno digs in for a Gritty win

Exciting three-year-old trotter Mecarno (Tactical Landing) continues to rise through the ranks and scored what was perhaps his best win yet when he outpaced his rivals in the Group 1 $60,000 APG Vicbred Super Series Final for three-year-old stallions and geldings at Melton on Saturday evening.

Michael Bellman, on the outside of the second row, was content to hang back on the favorite early and there was plenty of early speed as Tenasea Whiskey and Muskee all battled for the early lead.

James Herbertson took off on Enchauffour and he raced around the field after almost a lap to get back to work. That was exactly the point at which both Commodus and Mecarno left. Mecarno was three wide outside for a while before finally sitting outside Enchauffour with Commodus and then taking one out and sitting back the other.

MECARNO NOV 22 REPEAT

Enchauffour was always trying to gain the upper hand over its rivals and Mecarno seemed to be in trouble. Despite his great resilience, the gelding continued to be bored and went to the front to record a determined victory. Tenasea Whiskey came out of the pack to finish second despite galloping across the line ahead of Enchauffour in third, but then the former was relegated to fourth position.

Bellman has a high opinion of Mecarno and has cautiously ambitious plans for him. He believes the winner of the Victoria Trotters Derby will improve with racing and be fit for the permanent races. He stated that the Albion Park circuit, which will host next year’s Inter Dominion, will suit him well, but he believes that in a few seasons he could be good enough to travel to New Zealand to compete against the top performers.

Enchauffour fought on bravely, but was defeated that night by a better horse. Tenasea Whiskey ran a great race and it was a shame he broke at a crucial stage of the event.

A delighted Michael Bellman commented after the event.

It’s pure relief. Nothing seemed to fall into place tonight. He felt like he was off the bridle at 400. On the way home he went into another gear. He’s just a freak. We are just so very proud of him. To lift himself off the canvas like that, he felt that he was gone. I kept talking to him. He just knows what to do. People say about champions that they know where the line is. He has that championship quality.

All the owners are coming here tonight. Everyone is here to support him. He has such a cult following now. To be able to perform on the big stages, so much relief goes out the window when they cross the line first. There is so much fun. We’ll put it away until next year. He goes to the Breeders Crown.

For full race results, click here.

Through Tony Milanesefor Harnesslink