Captains Knock runs 1.48.2 in Italian Cup

Brilliant speedster Captains Knock (Captaintreacherous) gave a superb display of front running when he defeated a star studded harness racing field to win the Listed Club Menangle Italian Cup at Sydney’s premier circuit on Saturday night.

The event put together a number of contenders for the forthcoming New South Wales Carnival of Cups and the race did not disappoint as a spectacle.

The race saw the return of Don Hugo who hadn’t raced since finishing fourth in the Inter Dominion Final in Brisbane in July.

He looked in superb condition and was expected to take beating from barrier 2. But at the start he didn’t have enough pace to hold out Captains Knock and Himynameisjeff who in their battle for the lead ran the first quarter in a blistering 25.1 seconds. Brad Hewitt on Captains Knock held the lead from Himynameisjeff while Don Hugo was able to settle behind the leader.

For a change Max Delight had some luck in obtaining the one out and one back trail.

Captains Knock shook off Himynameisjeff but at the top of the straight the inside run come for Don Hugo and he looked likely to swoop on the leader. But Captains Knock continued to fight back and the effort on Don Hugo having his first start for some time told and he had to be content to finish second while Ripp came flying down the outside to come in third ahead of the ever consistent Max Delight.

CAPTAINS KNOCK NOV 8 REPLAY

Trained by Brad Hewitt for the Triple Play Syndicate Captains Knock has now won over $655,000 that has seen him with 21 wins from 58 starts. The win gave Hewitt a driving double following on from his success with Sunset Stride.

Don Hugo will be improved by the effort.

The Carnival of Cups kicks off this Friday evening at the Riverina paceway at Wagga with the $60,000 Bidgee being the first leg of the five race series which will carry a $1 million bonus if a pacer can win all five races.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink