Applied’s well timed run to take the prize

Local gelding Applied (Sweet Lou) patiently driven by Blake Hughes let his harness racing rivals run too hard early to be the fresh horse on the scene in winning the Coca Cola Pace at Newcastle on Saturday night.

In a keen betting race, Applied’s stable mate Illawong Danny was sent out favourite having won his previous five starts including the Waratah Final at Menangle.

In a furious battle for the lead Illawong Danny showed no early pace to be headed by Saint Crusader, Itzmineontheline and Metallica Man. Saint Crusader eventually held the lead with Metallica Man behind the leader. Once the field settled down Brad Elder on Illawong Danny took off around the field but did a power of work being three wide before going outside the leader.

In the meantime Applied had a charmed run sitting one out and two back.

Saint Crusader beat off Illawong Danny and looked to have the race won on the final bend when he drew clear. But Applied who hadn’t spent a penny and was biding his time issued a strong challenge and in a driving finish he held on to beat Vincentius Maximus who sprouted wings in the last 100 metres to narrowly go down by half a neck with Saint Crusader holding on for third place.

APPLIED 3 JAN REPLAY

Illawong Danny and Itzmineontheline locked wheels and finished at the rear of the field. That particular incident probably cost Vincentius Maximus the race as he lost valuable ground while Applied had gained a vital break.

Pearl While the dam of Applied has only had three progeny. The first is the exceptionally speedy mare Pandaia (Downbytheseaside) who has run 1.50.2 winning eight races. Then followed Applied and she is also the dam of Troubador (Rock N Roll Hanover) who’s won three races.

Applied has now won ten races in a 51 start career and has a good record at the Newcastle Paceway having six of his races there.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink