Exotic Bushranger blitzes his rivals

A well executed betting plunge on Exotic Bushranger (Pet Rock) paid off when the five year old led all the way to take the Bettors Delight Free For All at Ballarat last night.r

From barrier 3 Exotic Bushranger showed exceptional early speed to take the lead and harness racing driver Michael Stanley was able to hold off a challenge from Coravalley Star. Favourite Triple Eight from his second row draw eased back to the rear of the field but he was sent around the field after nearly a lap to sit outside the leader.

Rakero Slammer enjoyed a trail behind the leader with Catalpa Rescue directly behind. There was little change until the back straight for the final time when Ghost of Time made a run three wide.

But Exotic Bushranger was travelling well within himself and he dashed clear on straightening. Even though Rakero Slammer tried to issue a challenge he was no match for the leader who prevailed by 6 metres with outsider Catalpa Rescue a close third.

Exotic Bushranger rated an impressive 1.54.2 for the 2200 metres and in running his last two quarters in 27.8 and 26.6 seconds gave his rivals no prospects of catching him.

In the circumstances Triple Eight was far from disgraced having had a hard run and he battled on in fifth position.

Stanley indicated his faith in Exotic Bushranger following the event.

“He’s a good horse. Obviously we threw him in the deep end in the Inter Dominion and that form didn’t look that good. He was a good thing beaten in the Hamilton Cup last week. Back with a favourable draw I wish was in the Cup as he would have given them a run”.

“But it’s a great reward. He’s only just turned five years old, he’s lightly raced and there is plenty of upside with him. It’s always lovely to get a winner on your hometown Cup night.”

Stanley thinks Exotic Bushranger can over time reach the levels of his star pacer Rock n Roll Doo.

“Rock n Roll Doo has the X factor. With Exotic Bushranger he’s a bit one dimensional as a real roller rather than coming back in the field. But he’s only lightly raced and that might come with time”.

There was a lot to like with the run of Catalpa Rescue who was having his first run since last March. The relatively lightly raced stallion should improve on that effort and looks one to watch in the future.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink