Code Bailey upsets yet again

Gallant veteran Code Bailey (Christian Cullen) repeated his success of last week when he defeated a talented harness racing field in the Hip Pocket Castlemaine Free For All at Melton on Saturday evening.

The well supported Oliver Dan found the lead and Jason Lee on Code Bailey was able to secure a trail behind the leader. Favourite Bulletproof Boy had a one out and one back trail with Catch A Wave right behind him.

Oliver Dan was well rated by Mark Pitt and he zoomed clear on the final bend he looked to have his rivals off the bit. Bulletproof Boy was struggling out wide as was Catch A Wave and they couldn’t make up much leeway.

CODE BAILEY NOV 1 REPLAY

However Code Bailey eased off and really started to gain ground in the home straight and he overwhelmed Oliver Dan with Bulletproof Boy in third place just ahead of Catch A Wave. #

Code Bailey returned an impressive mile rate of 1.50.5 and with the last two quarters run in 27.3 and 26.6 seconds was the obvious reason that those behind could not make up much ground.

Sparingly raced due to a number of setbacks but has proved to be a grand performer since he made his debut at Swan Hill in March 2017 when he finished second.

Jason Lee paid tribute to Code Bailey

Everyone in the stable absolutely loves him. I’ve got a soft spot for him and just a great credit to Marg, Paddy and all the team at home to get him back.

I’m thrilled to get him back racing but to win a couple of free for alls in that company and beat those horses gives a thrill.

It was a bit of luck to get that trail but it was a good steer. You have to be in the right spot at the right time. He’s just flying to be honest. They’re the times that good horses can run. Everything went his way. He’s still be got to be good enough to do it.

There were some pretty good horses behind him.

Given the very quick sectionals it would pay to forget the run of Catch A Wave and if he led or was close to the lead he would be a very different proposition.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink