Duke of Scotland rules again

Following the unprecedented success of the inaugural Ultimate Drivers Challenge last week, Queensland harness racing fans were treated to another spectacle last night at Albion Park when new local star Duke of Scotland (Sweet Lou) was too good for his rivals in the Racing and Com Divided Open Pace.

Restrained after the start Duke of Scotland’s driver Pete McMullen dropped back to obtain the one out and one back trail. Outsider Catseye Beach showed scintillating early speed to race to the lead with Aroda taking the trail behind the leader.

DUKE OF SCOTLAND MAR 1 REPLAY

The inform Captain Shuffles who was the main runner seriously considered to threaten Duke of Scotland was also restrained and he settled back towards the rear of the field one out with Tims a Trooper in front of him.

Angus Garrard on Catseye Beach tried to steal the race when he sprinted clear along the back straight but Duke of Scotland started to issue a serious challenge on the final bend. The five year old gelding responded to McMullen’s driving by drawing clear to defeat Catseye Beach with Tims a Trooper running his usual honest race for third. Captain Shuffles tried to make a run along the back straight but he was never likely to gather in the leaders.  Duke of Scotland clocked a mile rate of 1.50.1 for the 1660 metres.

The win was some consolation for Duke of Scotland’s trainer Chantal Turpin.

Duke of Scotland was nominated for Miracle Mile qualifiers (Cordina Sprints) but HRNSW handicappers balloted him even though at his previous start he set a new Albion Park track record run of 1.49.1 which would have put in Miracle Mile contention

To add to their frustration their other star up and coming four year old The Janitor missed out on the Chariots of Fire as he was made an emergency.

As the horses crossed the line McMullen gave a big salute- that was a sign of his frustration at how good Duke of Scotland is going and to miss out at a Menangle trip

Currently Duke of Scotland is the best horse in the stable, however, both Turpin and McMullen consider that The Janitor is going to get there if he can mature over more time.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink