Driven by Will Rixon for trainer Luke McCarthy, Rakero Blaze, who can do a lot of wrong, stepped neatly from 10 meters to immediately challenge for the lead.
The form horse of the moment, Pesco Pollo, starting a short-priced favourite, rose to the challenge but when that failed, driver Robert Morris fell back on the fence. However, he came off the rails again and raced outside the leader.
RAKERO BLAZE JANUARY 31 REPEAT
Great campaigner Constantinople, the only straggler from 20 meters, was given time to take the field and then he was able to secure a one out and one back course after Pesco Pollo.
Rakero Blaze ran a 27.7-second third quarter to give Pesco Pollo the drop. Constantinople was still the leader with a decent start on straightening, but he continued with his task and rallied in Rakero Blaze, but the post was too close.
Rakero Blaze held on to win by just under three meters, with Speedy Lover in third place. The torrid run was clearly visible on Pesco Pollo and he finished at the back of the field.
Rakero Blaze is played by prominent owner Norm Jenkin. She has had a varied career with Andy Gath when she arrived in Australia. She then had a successful spell with leading South Australian trainer Ryan Hryhorec, winning both the Kapunda and Port Pirie Cups early last year.
Now in Luke McCarthy’s stables, Rakero Blaze is now showing much more consistency in her races and she looks good in this kind of company.
Constantinople showed great heart in finishing second and he should pick up a race soon.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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