Captains Knock in now in big time.

Rising star Captains Knock (Captaintreacherous) showed that he is now worthy to be in the top ranked harness racing pacers with a fighting win in the $60,000 Bidgee at the Riverina Paceway on Friday evening.

In a star studded field Don Hugo was installed favourite but Captains Knock was well supported. Captains Knock had defeated Don Hugo in the Italian Cup a fortnight back when the latter was resuming.

With all of the main stars drawn on the second row it was assumed that at some stage they would take off around the field.

The best of the front runners Oliver Dan who had some support took up the front running. But no sooner had he taken then it was Captains Knock who charged around the field three wide to race up alongside Oliver Dan. Meanwhile Don Hugo sat back towards the rear of the field.

There was a roar when Don Hugo started to make his run three wide down the back as it seemed apparent that Captains Knock was going to get the better of Oliver Dan. The ever consistent Max Delight was in the one out and one back trail.

Captains Knock continued to fight back and looked to be holding on but Don Hugo continuing with his run refused to give in and he failed by just a nick in an epic finish with Max Delight. Over the marathon 2800 metre journey the field rated 1.52.7 with the final two quarters in 27 and 27.9 seconds.

Known in his younger days as a speedster Captains Knock has now developed into one of the toughest stayers as well as being a brilliant sprinter.

CAPTAINS KNOCK NOV 14 REPLAY

Hewitt announced after the event that Captains Knock would continue his quest with the remaining four Country Cups and possibly the Miracle Mile.

The win completed a double for Hewitt following on from his success with Thalassophobia in the Riverina Championship which was a pick up drive.

Captains Knock is raced by the Triple Play Syndicate a group of 10 and last night Mick Reed spoke for the group.

We bought him as a two year old. The syndicate has been around for ten years and we’ve had a dozen horses of so. But none as good as this guy.

He’s a beautiful calm and placid horse.

Don Hugo was mighty in defeat after working hard and he should continue to improve.

Hewitt also stated that his star trotter The Locomotive is back in work and should be ready to race in two to three weeks. He is looking at the country cups circuit in Victoria although he may resume at Menangle before continuing his campaign.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink