Captain Shuffles has the last laugh

A patient drive by Nathan Dawson was the main factor in Captain Shuffles (Captaintreacherous) outsprinting his harness racing rivals in the Divided Open Pace at Albion Park last night.

In an intriguing betting race, punters opted for Always Smokin ahead of Captain Shuffles on the strength of his torrid run in last week’s Christmas Cup where he had no luck when he finished fourth. Although Captain Shuffles was the fastest out, Pete McMullen on Always Smokin was determined to take up the running and Dawson wisely elected to take the trail.

Alta Magician settled third with Braedos Lad moving up to race outside the leaders. Mister McLaren was caught wide early and had no option but to settle back at the rear.

Always Smokin appeared to be coasting along the back straight but Captain Shuffles continued to stalk his rival. It turned out to be a sprint in the home straight but Captain Shuffles finished the better to edge out Always Smokin with Braedos Lad holding on for third.

The others were never really in the hunt but given the sectional times this was not surprising. The mile rate was a scintillating 1.50.8 with the last two quarters in 28 and 26.7 seconds.

Captain Shuffles had not won since June but he hadn’t a great deal of luck in his recent appearances and he appreciated the easier run having the last shot at Always Smokin who was far from disgraced given the fast pace that he set.

The quality and time of last night’s open class race augurs well for racing over the incoming period for quality open class events.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink