The drums are beating for Captain Tom

Southern excitement machine Captain Tom (Captaintreacherous) returned to racing in the best possible way today (Sep. 23), beating a handful of well seasoned pacers at the Winton Harness Racing Club’s meeting.

In the first part of this campaign season he won three of his seven starts and this time in he looks bigger and stronger. So it’s game on for the three year old gelding.

“It’s hard not to be impressed when you drive one like him,” pilot Brad Williamson said after the run.

After settling back early from gate six Williamson bided his time before cruising up to the leaders with 1300 metres to run. He sat parked for the last 1000 metres.

“Nate (Williamson) tried to increase the tempo (on Mach’s Back) and my horse got on the nickel. I looked over my right shoulder (at the 500) looking for Nutcracker (Bettor’s Delight) and Robyns Playboy (Shadow Play) because I thought they were the two to beat. They didn’t move and my horse got keener and keener and knew what he was doing.”

At the top of the straight Williamson balanced up Captain Tom and the pair went down to the line to beat He’s A Mesiter (He’s Watching) by two lengths, running the 2400 metre mobile in 2-58.8 with the last 800 metres cut out in 57 seconds.

CAPTAIN TOM REPLAY

“Blackies (trainer Alister Black) tinkered with his steering. At times he could get a little bit lost last prep. Hopefully with a bit more maturity, a stronger gait, and more ringcraft he may be able to get a lot closer to the good ones.”

The run also impressed his trainer.

“It was a step in the right direction. I’m a lot happier this time than I was at times last time he raced. He’s filled out now and got more mature. He’s definitely a lot more switched on this time. What he did last time was on natural ability. Hopefully we can find three or four lengths and keep up with the very best of them,” Black said.

Black says Captain Tom will race at Addington in a fortnight. Longterm the three year old is likely to race in the Vero Flying Stakes and on to the New Zealand Derby.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink