Will Rixon’s feature double at Menangle

Prolific winning driver Will Rixon landed a double at Menangle Park last night thus continuing his recent harness racing success.

Rixon’s first win was abroad the rapidly improving Seathestars (Captaintreacherous) who really caught the eye in a fighting win in the Lolliland Pace over the Mile.

Seathestars who has been increasingly talked about as a potential Eureka candidate in three weeks time was installed a short priced favourite.

The gelding showed dazzling early speed to take up the running but Rixon was content to let Royal Division to take up the running and settle for a trail. The much improved Royal Division kept a fast pace throughout and he appeared to travelling better than most of the field as the field neared the final corner.

Seathestars rallied to the task but he seemed to wobble at the top of the home straight. But then like a good horse he knuckled to the task and he drew clear to defeat a gallant Royal Division by just over three metres with Dangerous Threats in third placing.

SEATHESTARS AUG 16 REPLAY

In winning Seathestars returned a dazzling mile rate of 1.50.8 which is the fastest he has ever recorded.

Trained by Victorian Geoff Webster Seathestars is knocking on the door for an invite to the $2.1 million Eureka at Menangle and he must be seriously considered for a prize slot.

Rixon’s double came the way of Max Delight (Bettors Delight) who continues to set new standards as a nine year old. The gelding didn’t have the necessary early speed to hold the lead from barrier 2, and his younger opponent Captains Knock sped out of the gate to clearly lead Ardens Ace.

Captains Knock attempted to run his rivals off their legs and it appeared that driver Brad Hewitt’s tactics might work. It was left to Max Delight to set out after Captains Knock. It wasn’t until the home straight that Max Delight gained the upper hand and he went to the line ahead of Captains Knock and Ardens Ace in a storming 1.48.8.

This equalled his fastest ever mile rate and came on top of winning just a week ago in a similar race going 1.48.9.

MAX DELIGHT AUG 16 REPLAY

Once again trainer David Aiken has to be given credit for how he turns out the veteran.

In the immediate term, Max Delight will be set for the Group 1 Len Smith Mile at Menangle on September 6.

Rixon narrowly missed a treble when later in the night Our Sadie Key just failed to catch Zenxena (Art Major) in the mares event.

Currently Rixon is involved in a fascinating tussle with Robert Morris and Cameron Hart for the New South Wales leading driver award and all three reinsmen are driving in top form as they attempt to gain a break on their rivals.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink