Act Now stakes claim for Victoria Cup

Multiple Group 1 winner Act Now (Somebeachsomewhere) staked his claim for a berth in next month’s $300,000 Victoria Cup with an impressive harness racing win in the Woodlands Stud Pace at Melton. 

Second up following an eight-month spell, Act Now ($2.90) pushed through from his second row draw and did his share of work to find the lead inside the first 600 metres of the race and shortly after was joined by his main danger Better Eclipse ($2.70 fav). 

The pair settled down to fight the race out in the home straight with Act Now staving off Better Eclipse to score by two metres with Outlaw Man seven metres away third in a mile rate of 1:53.5. 

Driver Jodi Quinlan was encouraged by his effort when resuming at Melton four weeks ago. 

“His first up run was exceptional as he only just got tired the last little bit, Emma and Clayton expected that and usually his first up runs aren’t that good,” Quinlan said. 

Act Now gives trainer Emma Stewart a double on the Melton card after taking out the Woodlands Stud Pace for driver Jodi Quinlan. That's the 2021 Victoria Derby champ's first victory since a heat of last year's Vicbred Super Series! pic.twitter.com/t2eXyrhewV

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Quinlan said she knew Act Now would run a big race when she took the son of Somebeachsomewhere out onto the track. 

“Emma and Clayton had him tip top tonight,” she said.  

“He got out on the track and bucked the whole way down the straight which he doesn’t normally do, so he was in beast mode tonight- he won well.” 

Quinlan said she felt her charge was travelling like a winner on the home turn. 

“When I asked him to go at the top of the straight he got his head rocking and kicked away and when he does that they don’t usually get past him,” she said. 

“He’s a funny horse and he’s got a lot of attitude about him.” 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink