The victory gave harness racing trainer Jason Grimson the privilege of training the first five winners of the evening program and driver Cameron Hart his fourth victory.
The presence of star pacer Captains Knock did not deter Rakero Rocket’s supporters and he was heavily backed by cronyism. Captains Knock, on the other hand, was a bum.
The race was decided shortly after the start when Rakero Rocket went straight to the front at exciting speed and was able to hold on to Captains Knock, who was then forced to race outside the leader.
RAKERO ROCKET JAN 10 REPEAT
Rakero Rocket ran his first quarter in an astonishing 25.4 seconds and while it was thought he might run slower, he simply continued to run his other quarters in 27.5, 27.1 and 27.3 seconds to record a scintillating 1.47.3, the second fastest ever in the Southern Hemisphere and just 0.4 seconds off My Field Mashal’s record of 1.46.9 from February 2018.
Stablemate Huta who was trailing the leader continued to chase but with such a fast pace he was unable to challenge and had to settle for second place just 12 meters behind with Perfect Stride in third.
Cameron Hart was happy with the performance.
That was sparkling and exciting to sit behind him. He just felt great as soon as the gate opened. He zoomed over it, he has such high speed and kept that endurance for so long. When Brad came to stand next to me, he wanted to push forward. I just let him continue walking. He was just super impressive.
I’m not so sure what’s next for him. Jason will have to sit down and have a discussion and see where we go, but obviously a Miracle Mile would be a nice target for him during our carnival. The mile he runs tonight would win most of them. So that’s exciting for him. Hopefully he will be just as well in a few months.
Captains Knock gave up ground to finish seventh and fortunately no abnormalities were reported following a veterinary examination. He is still in contention for the NSW country clubs bonus, where the next leg of the series will be the Bathurst Cup on January 30.
Rakero Rocket was a more than capable pacer in New Zealand, where he was the first winner of the first ever Group 1 Christian Cullen, the Methven Cup and the Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Classic.
He has only been under Jason Grimson’s care for a short time and in New Zealand he showed formidable staying qualities, which bodes well for all that awaits him in the near future.
For full race results, click here.
Through Tony Milanesefor Harnesslink
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