Sunset Stride’s stylish win in Waratah

Sunset Stride (Always B Miki) ran up to her previous good form with a polished all the way harness racing win in the Ainsworth Waratah Final at Menangle on Saturday evening.

This version of the Waratah was restricted to pacers up to a 66 rating. Well supported into second favourite Sunset Stride was out quickly from her wide barrier to head off The Greek General. The grey Tapaganoosh also got away well but his driver Zara Fitzpatrick had no option but to race outside the leader.

By contrast favourite Alfnalma from her extreme wide draw was taken back to the rear.

Brad Hewitt let the mare run 27.7 seconds in the first quarter then gave her a slight breather for the next quarter in 29.8 seconds. At this stage Alfnalma was still running last and it was obvious she would have a tough task as Sunset Stride quickened with a third quarter in 27.8 seconds.

In fact Sunset Stride had most of her rivals off the bit except for Tapaganoosh who kept battling away trying to draw level. But in a sizzling last quarter of 26.6 seconds Sunset Stride eased clear and at the line she had ten metres to spare from a game Tapaganoosh with Onehandonebounce in third just ahead of Alfnalma who was doing her best work out wide.

SUNSET STRIDE NOV 8 REPLAY

Sunset Stride is trained by Scott Hewitt from Goulburn and driven by bother Brad. She is raced by her breeders E and M Stride.

Her mother Pearl Stride was lightly raced on the track winning a consolation of the Gold Tiara at Bathurst. At stud she has left prolific winner Oyster Stride, Astride and Martini Stride. Sunset Stride is the last of her progeny to race and she could well turn out to be the best.

Earlier in her career Sunset Stride was prepared by Shane Sanderson at Shepparton before joining Hewitt’s stables less than two months ago. Hewitt has won three races for her in this preparation and she is bound to improve further.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink