Free Thinker gives Mathew Neilson his third Redcliffe Gold Cup

Five year old Free Thinker (Hurrikane Kingcole) broke through for his most important harness racing win to date in taking out this year’s $106,070 Group 2 Redcliffe Gold Cup on Saturday evening.

The race was delayed with a false start and then on the second attempt the 10 metre tape needed replacing.

In an action packed event Mossdale Terry went to the front with Free Thinker from the pole position taking the trail behind the leader.

However Always Smokin was urged around the field and he headed off Mossdale Terry. Favourite Cya Art was pushed back through the field.

FREE THINKER REPLAY JUN 28

Always Smokin drifted off the fence and Mossdale Terry regained the lead but he was being tracked by Free Thinker who peeled off the fence on straightening. Mossdale Terry had plenty of kick but he was no match for Free Thinker who prevailed by a neck with Send It making it a top three finish for the Queensland pacers.

The win gave Mathew Neilson his third Redcliffe Gold Cup having won the event in 2012 with Jack In Flight and a year later in 2013 with Only The Brave.

Neilson thanked both Grant and Trista Dixon for the opportunity to get the drive on Free Thinker. His track and race record of 1.58.2 for the 2613 metre standing start broke the previous race record set by Aroda and the track record of Its Mr Clooney.

Free Thinker is raced by Kevin and Kay Seymour who continue to build on their impressive team trained by Grant Dixon. He is entered for next week’s Inter Dominion and currently is ranked at 36 which means that he would qualify for the Heats should trainer Grant Dixon decide to run him.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink