Fighter Command gets second Eureka attempt after effortless Beautide win

Star four year old Fighter Command (Always B Miki) has scored an entry into this year’s $2.1 million Eureka at Menangle when he toyed with his harness racing rivals to take out the $80,000 Beautide at Hobart on Saturday evening.

Repeating his success from last year when a three year old Fighter Command was even more formidable in the manner of his win.

Driver James Herbertson didn’t waste any time early on sending the gangly gelding around the field and he had no trouble taking over from the only three year old filly Barbary Tales. The only other runner under double figure odds Cuzzy Bro was taken back to the rear of the field and stayed well back throughout.

Herbertson had the easiest run in the lead and allowed him to stretch out in the back straight to clear away and the issue was never in doubt. Bettablack Tiger finished just over 25 metres away in second just ahead of Barbary Tales who chased the winner all the way holding on for third.

Fighter Command ran 1.55.1 for the 2080 metres with an impressive final quarter of 27.3 seconds.

Harness racing fans remember the heartbreak a year ago when after winning the Beautide and then at Melton, Fighter Command twisted a bowel which almost threatened his life. At that time it seemed as if Fighter Command might not even race again even after the vets saved his life.  Trainer Jess Tubbs has done a wonderful job in nursing Fighter Command back into racing form and more importantly continuing the promise that we saw of him before his untimely setback twelve months ago.

Since that unfortunate incident Fighter Command had raced on eight occasions for two wins at Melton and Menangle.

He is bound to improve on that effort and driver James Herbertson will take a lot with him as the stable prepares for the Eureka to be staged in five weeks time.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink