Two weeks ago, Rakero Rocket made everyone sit up and take notice when he recorded the second fastest time ever at Menangle Park Racecourse in 1.47.3.
After pulling pole, Rakero Rocket was expected to maintain the early lead and that is exactly how the race went.
The race was robbed of its interest when one of the big pins of Australian harness racing driver Don Hugo was scratched.
RAKERO ROCKET JAN 24 REPEAT
Nevertheless, with blistering early speed, Rakero Rocket, with Cameron Hart in the lead, was able to take the lead, running its first quarter in 27.9 seconds. The rest of the field followed in an Indian file, with Ubetcha Tigerpie taking up the trail behind the leader. Max Delight, who was restarting after a short period, finished in fifth place.
Hart took care of Rakero Rocket on the move with 28.5 seconds left in the second quarter. Will Rixon on Max Delight started a run on the veteran. However, Rakero Rocket was off and running his final two quarters in 26.9 and 26.2 seconds gave his rivals no chance.
Ultimately, it was left to Ubetcha Tigerpie and Pete Said So to make the hunt to fill the placements. In total, Rakero Rocket ran 1.49.5 for the mile, but was not extended at any stage.
The former New Zealander should now be seriously considered for the Miracle Mile based on his times and what makes his efforts all the more impressive is the way he didn’t extend at the finish.
Hart was full of praise for Rakero Rocket.
He just has a great turn and he showed that tonight. It’s nice to have a good backup tonight. He covered a big mile, he probably ran his first half a little faster than his last half than the other day. It was really nice to drop a few 26s at the end of that mile.
Not all his efforts were asked for. It was great fun to run all those fifteen minutes and still have the plugs in. And still a bit to roll 200 meters along the pole. So if he goes to the Miracle Mile, I hope he continues with this kind of form.
There are plenty of options for him, which is very exciting. The original plan was to stay with him in Sydney and New South Wales. Maybe he’ll keep ticking here until our fair. But we’ll wait and leave it to Jason.
Hart secured a winning double when Vinke B (Vincent) showed great courage and took the lead most of the way in the final event.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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