Mecarno digs in for Gritty win

Exciting three year old trotter Mecarno (Tactical Landing) continues to rise in the ranks and scored what may well have been his best win to date when he outstayed his rivals in the Group 1 $60,000 APG Vicbred Super Series Final for three year old colts and geldings at Melton on Saturday evening.

Drawn the outside of the second row Michael Bellman was content to sit back early on the favourite and there was plenty of early speed with Tenasea Whisky and Muskee all vying for the early lead.

James Herbertson took off on Enchauffour and he raced around the field after nearly a lap to take up the running. That was precisely the point when both Commodus and Mecarno took off. Mecarno was out three wide for some distance before eventually sitting outside Enchauffour with Commodus then taking the one out and one back sit.

MECARNO NOV 22 REPLAY

Enchauffour always looked to have the better of his rivals and Mecarno looked to be in trouble. However showing great resilience the gelding continued to bore away and he went to the front to record a determined win. Tenasea Whisky came out of the pack to finish second despite galloping over the line ahead of Enchauffour in third placing but then the former was relegated to fourth position.

Bellman has a big opinion of Mecarno and has tentative ambitious plans for him. He considers that the Victoria Trotters Derby winner will get better with racing and will be suited by the staying races. He stated that the Albion Park circuit where the Inter Dominion will be staged next year will suit him but he thinks that in a couple of seasons he could be good enough to travel to New Zealand to take on the top performers there.

Enchauffour fought on gamely but was beaten by a better horse on the night. Tenasea Whisky ran a great race and it was a pity that he broke at a vital stage of the event.

A delighted Michael Bellman commented after the event.

Its sheer relief. Nothing seemed to fall into place tonight. He felt he was off the bridle at the 400. Turning for home he went into another gear. He’s just a freak. We’re just so super proud of him. To lift himself off the canvas like that, he felt that he was gone. I just kept talking to him. He just knows what he has to do. People say about champions they know where the line is. He’s got that champion quality.

All the owners come here tonight. Everyone’s here to support him. He’s got such a cult following now. To be able to deliver on the big stages its just so much relief goes out of the window as they cross the line first. There’s so much enjoyment. We’ll put him away until next year. He’ll go to the Breeders Crown.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink