Extreme warning ahead of the Eureka

Talented Goulburn-trained pacer Extreme Sea (Well Said) has sent out an ominous warning to his harness racing opposition for the TAB Eureka almost 100 days out from the $2.1 million test.

Pre-race betting on the world’s richest harness race has opened with the gelding installed as the early favourite following his impressive form throughout the TAB Regional Championships.

On Saturday night Extreme Sea again proved far superior for his rivals when he took out the State Final at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

He clocked a 1:54.1 mile rate for the 2300m journey, running away to score by a widening six length margin with driver Brad Hewitt barely moving a muscle.

Hewitt was able to move into the running line just after the start from his awkward barrier draw and with 900m to travel, he circled the field to assume the front running which was pretty much where the race was won.

“He went super again on Saturday night, and I am running out of superlatives to describe just how talented this horse is,” said Brad.

“I did feel an element of pressure after drawing inside the backline on such a short-priced favorite, but once I was able to get away from the inside early it was all smooth sailing with him from there.”

Extreme Sea has already been secured by the Western Jewel slot, headed by prominent Bathurst identity Wayne Loader for the TAB Eureka on September 7, who moved quickly to lock in the boom four-year-old after his win the Riverina Championships in March.

“Obviously Dad (David Hewitt – trainer) will have the Eureka squarely on his mind from now,” said Brad.

“There are definitely a few avenues that he could take with him, but he will just let the dust settle following those strong wins and go from there.

“Regardless, he probably deserves being the early favorite for the Eureka given what he has done to date.”

The Hewitts will have a two-pronged attack in the Eureka, with Brad’s stable star Captains Knock being claimed by Daniel and John Cordina for their slot.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW