Chloe Formosa strikes in Newcastle Nutrien Heat

Young reinswoman Chloe Formosa completed a big night when outsider Rockin Miss Regina (Bettors Delight) scored a surprise last gasp harness racing win in the Nutrine Equine New South Wales Breeders Challenge at Newcastle on Friday evening.

Despite winning last week at Newcastle Rockin Miss Regina was friendless in the betting. My Ultimate Lexi who impressed at her only previous win at Newcastle, was sent out a hot favourite with Where’s My Reason the only other runner under double figures.

As expected My Ultimate Lexi showed explosive speed to take up the running with Ultimate All Star behind the leader and Queensland visitor Lucky Luda caught outside the leader. Rockin Miss Regina didn’t show a great deal of early fast pace and settled three back on the rails with Where’s My Reason securing a one out and one back trail from the second row.

Cameron Hart on My Ultimate Lexi drove at his own pace and she looked to be cruising as she put a space between herself and her rivals on the final bend. However she started to shorten stride down the home straight. It was at that point that Rockin Miss Regina who hadn’t left the rails started to gather the leader with Where’s My Reason down the outside.

Chloe Formosa continued to go for an inside run  with Rockin Miss Regina and in the last few strides she quickly found the front before the line just ahead of Where’s My Reason who was in the centre of the track and Our Ultimate Lexi a close third.

ROCKIN MISS REGINA SEP 19 REPLAY

Rockin Miss Regina is trained by Chloe’s father Michael who prepares his team at Ellalong.

The filly is out of Miss Streisand who won 10 races and eight placings from 35 starts and a fastest time of 1.52.6. She is the first of the her dam to make it to the race track.

Earlier in the evening Formosa guided nine year old gelding Mammal’s Riddle (Western Terror) and trained by Joseph Rees to an all the way win in the James Murray Funeral Pace.

Later the colts and geldings division was an exciting finish with favourite Mydnight (Tall Dark Stranger) winning by the narrowest of margins over the well supported Grumpy Shannon.

MYDNIGHT SEP 19 REPLAY

In a small but select field Mydnight handled by Blake Fitzpatrick and Grumpy Shannon had a furious early battle with Mydnight eventually crossing over to lead. Grumpy Shannon took the trail with Count Your Blessin three back and Lochinvar Marcello one out and one back.

Despite having run his first quarter in 27.4 seconds Mydnight still looked to have his rivals off the bit but Grumpy Shannon refused to give in and under vigorous driving by driver Brad Elder made a light dive but failed by a short half head with Lochinvar Marcello in third placing. Elder fired in a protest against the winner but after hearing evidence stewards dismissed the objection and the placings stood.

Having four of his last five appearances Mydnight has the makings of a very smart colt and he will be a force in the $150,000 Final at Menangle on 25 October. However Grumpy Shannon is not far behind him and will be a worthy challenger.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink