Bach is on song at Melton

Former New Zealand pacer Bach (Bettor’s Delight) enjoyed a successful debut into open class ranks when he scored a narrow harness racing win in the $24,000 Markovina Free For All at Melton. 

Driven by Anthony Butt, Bach makes it four wins in a row taking out the Tab Markovina Free For All for trainer Kyle Marshall. pic.twitter.com/2GQKeVw2SM

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) April 13, 2024

Sent out a $1.90 favorite, Bach was given time to balance up by Anthony Butt before working to the lead with 1500 metres to travel. 

Butt dictated the terms of the race to suit himself in a 59.8 first half of the last mile before cruising down the back straight in 29.6. 

Favorite backers were nervous when the challenges emerged in the home straight with both Yambukian and Triple Eight storming home down the middle of the track. 

Triple Eight got close on the line however Bach had sufficient in reserve to hang on and score by half a head with Final Collect a head away third in a 27 second last quarter. 

Butt was happy enough the Kyle Marshall trained five-year-old was able to prevail in a tight finish. 

“They had their chance to run him down but he held on well,” Butt said. 

Butt believes there are more wins in store for the son of Bettors Delight. 

“He’s done great job since he arrived here and Kyle has managed him well and he’s had some nice easy wins on the way through, it’s going to get harder from here on in but I’m sure he will acquit himself well,” he said. 

Bach has won his past four starts since finishing down the track in the Cranbourne Cup at his Australian debut. 

“I was confident he was going to run second before he galloped in the Cranbourne Cup, he felt really good but he just broke going into that last bend which a lot of horses do,” he said. 

Bach is building an impressive strike rate winning 12 races from 34 lifetime starts. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink