Hesitate atones in Youthful Stakes

Talented colt Hesitate (Sportswriter) made amends for his last effort when he outsprinted his harness racing rivals to win the Benstud Standardbred Youthful Stakes for two year old colts and geldings at Melton last night.

First run in 1967 when won by Billy Craig, the Youthful Stakes has lost its prominence as a leading edge classic to local VicBred and Sires Stakes series, but it is still regarded as a worthy event for owners to chase.

In a small but intriguing field, Fairplay was favourite ahead of Hesitate, who last start in the Final of the IRT Breeders Crown Final broke up at several stages of the event to finish a distant last. He was required to perform satisfactorily in a trial and last night was on his best behaviour. 

Mark Pitt, who had previously won a double, held the lead with Fairplay. Damian Burns was able to follow Fairplay to get the trail behind the leader. The Tasmanian Dandy Patch winner Okanui Beach had little luck, having to race outside the leader. However it was obvious a long way from home that these three would fight out the finish. Fairplay went for home on the final bend, but Hesitate took the inside run to finish too strongly over Fairplay, with Okanui Beach holding on for third. 

The race was a real sprint home with a fast last quarter of 26.6 seconds. 

Driver Damian Burns was relieved after the event.

“I thought that I had to get around first and the result was second. He’s just got push button speed when he gets his head down and goes he can accelerate. The expectation is only what I put on him myself. I know how good this horse is and when he wins a race it’s just relief. He’s won all the minor classics and but unfortunately he didn’t win a big one. I was going to spell him after the Crown but after 4 days in the paddock and then he started tearing around and thought that we’ll keep him ticking along. 

We’re hopeful to looking for the New South Wales Derby and target these races. He’s good enough to win a big one”.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink