Captain Hammerhead and Nyack prevail in Riverina Championship Heats

Star pacer Captain Hammerhead (Captaintreacherous) made a welcome return to the winning circle when he outstayed his harness racing rivals in the First heat of the Boots Civil-Milbrae Quarries Riverina Championships for entires and geldings at Wagga on Tuesday night.

Captain Hammerhead’s last win was his stirring win over Swayzee in the Albury Cup last February and since then he had raced in much harder company at Menangle  and the Renshaw Cup at Penrith.

CAPTAIN HAMMERHEAD APR 15 REPLAY

However at Wagga Captain Hammerhead was pitted against a less strong field and he was strongly supported into firm favouritism.

Supa American showed speed to hold the lead early. David Moran was able to secure a one out and one back trail but not long after he went up to race outside the leader and he seemed content to stay there with Sydney visitor Bainbridge taking a trail behind him. Jack Callaghan on Supa American was able to set an average pace.

The final two quarters were run in 27.3 and 27 seconds but Supa American was the first to crack as Captain Hammerhead went to the front and despite having had a hard run he was able to beat Bainbridge by just under three metres with Dashing doing his best work to grab third placing.

On the strength of his winning performance Captain Hammerhead will take beating in next Saturday night’s $100,000 Final.

The second heat of the Boots Civil-Milbrae Quarries Championship went the way of Nyack (Sweet Lou) who unleashed an electrifying burst in the home straight to snatch an unlikely win.

Nyack who performed credibly in the recent Inter Dominion series was given time ease back at the rear of the field by driver James Rattray.

NYACK APR 15 REPLAY

Favourite Timmy Rictor galloped as soon as the mobile was released but driver Jack Callaghan was able to settle him into a one out two back trail. Sweetheart Bart showed his customary speed to lead but he surrendered it to Soho Spectre who was sent around the field by Luke McCarthy. Montalbano was able to get the one out and one back trail.

Timmy Rictor pulled out at the top of the home straight but he raced ungenerously. Soho Spectre looked as if he might steal the race but Nyack issued a paralysing sprint to swoop on his rivals. So fast was Nyack finishing his winning margin of over four metres was all the more remarkable.

Sweetheart Bart finished third and although Timmy Rictor was just behind in fourth he has qualified for the Final.

Nyack’s win sets him up for a fascinating clash with Captain Hammerhead in the Final. However the field will carry plenty of depth and other chances include Dashing and Bainbridge amongst others in what will be a keenly contested race.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink