Bulletproof Boy stuns the stars in Bendigo Cup

The old marvel Bulletproof Boy (Art Official) surprised his younger harness racing rivals with a superbly timed run to take out the $75,000 Group 2 Garrards Horse and Hound Bendigo Pacing Cup at Melton on Saturday evening for the second year running.

Despite his great recent form Bulletproof Boy was not expected to trouble the likes of Kingman, Hi Manameisjeff and Petracca.

Hi Manameisjeff found the early lead with Petracca taking a sit behind the leader and Catch A Wave caught outside in the death seat.

Meanwhile Luke McCarthy was able to guide Kingman off the fence early to a one out and one back trail while Bulletproof Boy was positioned right behind.

BULLETPROOF BOY 10 JAN REPLAY

Will Rixon on Hi Manameisjeff released the brakes in the final lap and when he ran his third quarter in 26.5 seconds he seemed to have his rivals including Kingman struggling on the final bend. But he started to tire and Petracca issued a strong challenge. Meanwhile James Herbertson on Bulletproof Boy elected to go back on the inside and save ground. Petracca grabbed the lead but he couldn’t hold a determined Bulletproof Boy while Kingman was another two metres away in third.

Bulletproof Boy has now won 51 races for just over $850,000 for trainer Scott Ewen and his fellow co owners.

Herbertson praised Bulletproof Boy.

He’s just amazing isn’t he. He’s an eleven year old and I keep saying it he keeps raising the bar. How far he can raise it in the next six months we’ll wait and see.

I didn’t do what I wanted to do. What I did there. I was hoping that Kate would drop on the fence, when Kate didn’t look to go there I was sort of waiting and waiting the opportunity had left we just had to take it from there on. We ended back there any way and it was a good spot to be.

I was quite happy the way he was travelling throughout. We got to the 300 metres and the good horses were tapping up. And Bullet was still cruising along there. I was just happy to be there. It felt really easy for him even though it probably shouldn’t have. I’m over the moon for the horse.

Trainer Scott Ewen added

I cant believe it. Between him and James they’re both freaks. I was a bit worried he had three weeks since he had a run. I give him a couple of runs this week. On Thursday he went sensational and James has done a great job. I might have to go to Shepparton. As long as he runs good races thought if he wins a cup or two if we’re lucky and he’s won one already. So its beautiful.

The Country Cups focus will now shift to Shepparton next Saturday night where the Cup will see the clash of Leap To Fame, Swayzee and Kingman. Whilst he was beaten into third placing at Melton, Kingman will be improved by the hit out and expect a sharper Kingman to appear at Shepparton. And who know Bulletproof Boy may well join the illustrious field.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink