Smoken Ace has Derby in sight

The Kyle Marshall trained three-year-old Smoken Ace (Sportswriter) will be set for a tilt at the Victoria Derby after his all the way harness racing win in the Nevele R Stud Pace at Melton. 

Chris Alford took Smoken Ace to the front from his favorable front row draw while the $1.70 favorite High Above settled in the perfect trail one out one back. 

Alford was allowed to dictate the early stages of the race to suit himself before increasing the tempo in a 27.4 back straight quarter with High Above poised to pounce. 

High Above pulled out three wide to challenge the leader on straightening but was unable to bridge the margin and Smoken Ace ($5.50) held on to score by a metre reeling off a 54.5 last 800 metres. 

Marshall acknowledged the drive from Alford. 

“That was a super run and a great drive by Chris, he pushed forward and got the front then held them back and ran a couple of cheap sectionals and then let him really run a half which made it difficult for any of the others to make ground,” Marshall said. 

Marshall said the horse’s current campaign had been a frustrating one but he will consider the better races in the next couple of months. 

“That was a good win tonight and we’ve really had a bad luck prep with him but after that I’ll talk to the owners and we’ll possibly freshen him up for the Victoria Derby,” he said. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink