Dashing takes out Leeton Cup

Up and coming pacer Dashing (Art Major) ran one of his best races when he outstayed his harness racing rivals to take out this year’s Yenda Producers Leeton Pacing Cup last night at the Leeton raceway.

In an action filled event, the pace was on from the beginning with Miss Audicious leading but soon after settling, favourite Mighty Flying Art was sent around the field by Jackson Painting to take up the running. Bruce Harpley on Dashing was happy to bide his time mid field and just when the field had settled down again he unleashed a strong sprint to go alongside Mighty Flying Art.

Then Captains Catch who had enjoyed a good trail was let loose and three wide at the bell. Mighty Flying Art, Dashing and Captains Catch moved away from the field and in a worthy spectacle made a line of three along the back straight.

Dashing surged to the front on the final bend and in a slogging finish held out Captains Catch with Scared Stiff just nosing out Mighty Flying Art for third.

DASHING REPLAY

Dashing is royally bred with his dam Frith being an outstanding race mare achieving 39 wins, just under $1.2 million in stake money as well as Group 1 success.

Bruce Harpley who trained Frith for part of her career was therefore well acquainted with the family and connections.

“I have driven many horses for Bernie (who is my godfather) and Di Kelly (owners) in the past. I took a liking to Dashing early on”.

Early in his career Dashing was trained by Belinda McCarthy but despite showing glimpses of ability was proving to be somewhat of a disappointment.

“He seemed to get lost after the Australian Gold Chalice last year. Di had him gelded and then sent him to me and I’ve had him now for just over 6 months. At the beginning he didn’t know how to be a race horse, he was lazy and seemed uninterested”.

“Last night I was confident when I sent him up around the outside of the leader as his mother liked distance and preferred to be leading or racing in the death. So I thought this horse could stay as well. He seems to be getting better and better with every run”.

“We’ll assess things very much in the short term. At this stage the Junee Cup is his target and we are debating about the Temora Cup. We might even give him a stint in Sydney where he could stay there. Then there is the Riverina Championship for 4 and 5-Y-O’s in May where he would be competitive. But at this stage nothing is confirmed outside the Junee Cup.”

Despite only having a small team of six, the Junee based Harpley is enjoying a good run. The season just gone he won 24 races.

Captains Catch lost no admirers finishing second after sitting three wide for the final lap while Scared Stiff came from well back.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink