Encipher shows her class

Million-dollar harness racing mare Encipher (Captaintreacherous) made a triumphant return to the harness racing track on Saturday, taking out the Alabar Bloodstock Ladyship Cup at Melton.

Having her first outing since the Queen Of The Pacific in November, Encipher moved up to sit parked outside the leader Rakero Rebel with a lap to travel. 

Rakero Rebel attempted to pinch a winning break on the home turn however Encipher ($1.40 fav) dug deep over the concluding stages to grab victory in the shadows of the post getting up to score by a head from Jilliby Willow. 

“I love her.”
Driver Kate Gath on the Emma Stewart-trained Encipher after she produces a fighting win first up from a spell in the $75,000 Alabar Bloodstock Ladyship Cup at Melton tonight. pic.twitter.com/OpDXrwMmx2

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) January 27, 2024

Driver Kate Gath said Encipher enjoyed the genuine mid race tempo. 

“She’s so good and she loves it when the speed is on like that,” Gath said. 

Gath, who drove Catch A Wave in The Eureka, said she wasn’t surprised by Encipher’s win in Australia’s first slot race in September last year. 

“I gave her a hope in The Eureka and not many people did,” she said. 

“I wasn’t surprised with the way she ran on by in The Eureka, she beat Leap To Fame, Catch A Wave and Rock N Roll Doo when he was flying and she’s handled them all.” 

Gath said Encipher will play a key role in the upcoming mares feature races. 

“She’s got a big few weeks ahead and everyone can get to see her on track,” she said. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink