Bellman’s first Group 1 in Victoria Trotters Derby success

Prolific winning reinsman Michael Bellman earned his first Group 1 success when his talented trotter Mecarno (Tactical Landing) outstayed his harness racing rivals to win the Group 1 $60,000 Victoria Trotters Derby Final at Maryborough on Sunday afternoon.

It was a thoroughly deserved win as Mecarno had to work hard for his success but he showed great resilience.

Kept safe in the betting as third favourite despite drawing the second row, Mecarno settled back in the field early on. Favourite Gatesys Gem was taken straight to the front by driver Nathan Jack. The other well supported runner was the impressive heat winner Commodus who also started from the second line.

It was Bellman who took the early initiative to work around the field, admittedly being three wide for a while before sitting outside Gatesys Gem. Last year’s Redwood winner Vytas was in the one out and one back trail with Commodus one out and three back.

Gatesys Gem was giving a faultless display in front. Commodus issued his challenge along the back straight and for a while he looked as if he might catch the leaders.

Meanwhile Mecarno gradually increased the pressure on Gatesys Gem and the two drew clear on the final bend to fight it out. It was Mecarno who continued to grind away and gradually he asserted his ascendancy to defeat Gatesys Gem by just under two metres with Vytas a further 15 metres away in third.

MECARNO NOV 2 REPLAY

The leaders ran their last two quarters in 28.8 and 27.8 seconds and that pace was clearly too hot for those following.

Mecarno rated 2.00.9 for the 2690 metre trip.

Gatesys Gem fought on well but found Mecarno too strong on the day while Commodus couldn’t make up vital ground with the fast final quarters being run in front.

Michael Bellman is one of harness racing’s best known identities having driven over 2048 winners. His win was richly deserved and Mecarno has shown that he is ready to go through the classes.

Mecarno is from the former consistent trotting mare Sundon’s Pride who amongst her 16 wins was the South Australian Trotters Oaks and also succeeding against pacers at Globe Derby.

She is also the dam of useful trotter Tiktok. Sadly since Mecarno she has missed three time and had a foal that died.

Mecarno should make his presence felt in the forthcoming Vicbred Super Series and Breeders Crown where he is sure to run up against Commodus.

At the time of writing Gatesys Gem is entered for the $NZ500,000 Ascent at Addington on November 11 and then for the Group 1 NZ Trotting Oaks a week later. She is likely to meet Victorian Trotters Oaks winner Tracy The Jet in both features.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink