Arggghhh storms home

Handy harness racing pacer Arggghhh (Rock N Roll Heaven) confirmed his status as a sit and sprinter with a well-timed burst to take out the fast class Garrards Pace at Melton last night.

Starting from the inside of the second row, Arggghhh was able to follow up the polemarker, second favourite Radius, who was able to hold out Justalittlesip.

Favourite Vee Em Gee Macray was taken back early to settle near the rear of the field.

Michael Bellman on Captain Pins made a run with a lap left to travel to race outside Radius with Arggghhh still following up on the rails.

Captain Pins, whose trainer Denis McIntyre had won the previous event with James Garne,r went for broke along the back straight, and he quickly put a gap in the field. David Miles steered Arggghhh away from the fence to avoid the tiring Radius, but Captain Pins looked to have stolen the race on the final bend.

However, Arggghhh continued with his run and, charging up along the inside, he proved too strong for a gallant Captain Pins with RockandDance doing his best work for third.

Arggghhh ran his last two quarters in 28.2 and 27 seconds for an impressive overall mile rate of 1.54.3 for the 1720 metres. Given the time, it was not surprising that Vee Em Gee Macray could not make up that much ground when out wide.

Radius, who tired notably in the final lap, was found to have suffered an episode of atrial fibrillation and will stand down for the mandatory 28 days.

Arggghhh joined the stables of David Miles over two years ago when he was formerly prepared by his part-owner Ray Woods.

Despite being an eight year old, Arggghhh still has plenty of zest in him, and last night was having his 100th race start. He now has 16 wins and 29 placings in his career.

Although not regarded within the top tier of pacers, Argghhh will take some beating in the country cups circuit, which is now in full swing.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink