Mach Dan on track for the Len Smith Mile

Multiple Group 1 winning pacer Mach Dan (Mach Three) may have raced his way into the $150,000 Len Smith Mile after completing back to back harness racing wins at Melton. 

With the hottest driver in the land James Herbertson taking the reins, the son of Mach Three sped to the early lead and was never headed thereafter. 

With Herbertson laying back in the sulky, Mach Dan ($1.65) reeled off a 54 second last 800 metres in accounting for his stablemate Perfect Class and Tango Tara in a mile rate of 1:54 for the 2240 metres. 

JAMES THE GREAT!
James Herbertson's brilliant run of form continues in the opener at Melton Entertainment Park, winning the TAB We're On FFA Pace with Mach Dan for Emma Stewart. pic.twitter.com/HEwWGeTPXo

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) August 17, 2024

The win followed Mach Dan’s sit sprint victory the previous week and owner Danny Zavitsanos is hoping the seven-year-old has done enough to represent Team Zav in the Len Smith Mile on TAB Eureka night at Menangle. 

“It’s going to be a big night with the Eureka so it would be nice to have a crack at the Len Smith Mile with this bloke,” Zavitsanos said. 

Zavitsanos admitted he was aiming to complete a hat trick of home town Geelong Cups until now. 

“The way Mach Dan is racing he is going as well as ever and why not have a crack at the Len Smith Mile with him,” he said. 

“If he draws well he is a genuine chance because he can do it at both ends of the race.” 

Herbertson, who has a perfect record of three wins from as many drives behind Mach Dan, said the pacer’s gate speed is a huge asset. 

“When you get down to these free for alls being in front on the fence is a big advantage and you’re half way home especially when you have a horse with such great manners as he does,” Herbertson said. 

“Being able to blast off the gate like that and he comes back to you, so you can drive him on a pinky and he’s an absolute pleasure to drive.” 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink