Captain Perfect holds on for gritty win

Tough colt Captain Perfect (Captaintreacherous) was rewarded for his consistency when he did all the work and yet still prevail in the Group 2 $100,000 Woodlands Stud Breeders Crown for three year old colts and geldings on Saturday evening.

Despite impressively winning his heat Captain Perfect was a drifter in the betting with a second row draw and late money for Its Confidential who was backed into harness racing favourite.

In an action packed event Pick Up Elvis held the early lead but gave it away to Its Confidential. Mark Pitt on Captain Perfect allowed his charge to settle down before going up to race outside the leader. Stable mate Viney had a one out and two back trail.

Captain Perfect applied the pressure on Its Confidential to reach the lead on turning for home. But Viney who had an easier run issued a strong challenge as did New Shuffle who was out four wide. However showing plenty of determination Captain Perfect fought back strongly to holdout Viney by just under two metres with New Shuffle third ahead of Its Confidential.

CAPTAIN PERFECT DEC 13 REPLAY

Mac Bon came from a clear last to run to run fifth.

As a two year old Captain Perfect won the Alabar VicBred Platinum and then at three he was successful in the Tasmanian Derby and the South Australia St Leger. However he had no luck when runner up in the Victoria Derby and finishing well back in the APG VicBred Super Series.

Driver Mark Pitt was satisfied with the effort.

I had to get in front before a few of the others and try to control it. I got up there and they were striding up early and that helped us. I wasn’t too worried that I was wide for too long. I didn’t want him to burn. I just felt I’d let him creep forward control the tempo a bit.

He’s a tough customer. He doesn’t seem to have a lot of high speed. Last week he buzzed up a quarter but that’s not his go. Viney got pretty close to him. So I think the stronger you drive him the better he goes.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink