Catchafire outstays his rivals to take Leeton Cup

Newly turned four year old Catchafire (Bettor’s Delight) lived up to his three year old form with a strong staying harness racing performance to win the Yanco Producers Leeton Pacing Cup on Thursday evening.

Showing great early speed Catchafire was urged on early by driver Jackson Painting who used some energy to take up the running. Favourite Alta William was back towards the rear but Peter McCrae on board decided to make a sprint to run to the front with Painting electing to take the trail behind the leader.

This proved to be a decisive move. Although Catchafire was behind the leader it was obvious that he was travelling well enough to look to be the main danger to Alta William.

Alta William still led on the final bend but he was gathered in very quickly by Catchafire who put the issue well beyond doubt to win by just over five metres with the Victorian Crime Writer who had made the long journey from Terang a further four metres away in third placing.

CATCHAFIRE JAN 1 REPLAY

Catchafire did plenty of racing as a three year old against older company running in the Mildura Cup, and finishing runner up in the West Wyalong Cup. He won two races at Menangle with a fastest time of 1.50.7.

The New Zealand bred gelding has shown himself to be versatile as a three year excelling at distance and sprint races and particularly when he’s held up for a late sprint.

The win continues a great run of success for local trainer Jackson Painting who’s been having one of his best seasons to date. With the season just gone he finished ninth in the New South Wales State Drivers Championship with 94 wins and equal eighth leading trainer with 66 wins.

Alta William tried to steal the race but on the night he found Catchafire too strong. Crime Writer was back in the field and finished on for third without looking likely to score. Dashing who won this race last year and was resuming first up made a run with under two laps to travel but tired to finish sixth. He will be improved by the effort.

Once again there was another healthy crowd in attendance proving Leeton’s ability to attract strong attendances at their popular Boxing Day New Year carnival.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink