Jaccka Connor in a boilover

The Julie Douglas trained pacer Jaccka Connor (A Rocknroll Dance) defied the odds to cause an upset harness racing win in the Beraldo Coffee Pace at Melton. 

Sent out a $21 chance, Jaccka Connor settled towards the rear of the field from its second row draw and driver Ellen Tormey chanced her arm by making a lone three wide assault on the leaders with 800 metres to travel. 

Despite working out three wide without cover, Jaccka Connor ranged up to the leaders around the home turn and kept coming in the straight to get the verdict by two metres from Silver Mustique and Exotic Bushranger. 

Jaccka Connor is back in the winner's circle after an impressive victory in the Beraldo Coffee Pace. The five-year-old gelding is trained by Julie Douglas and was driven by Ellen Tormey. pic.twitter.com/SZRJi5kX7A

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) June 8, 2024

Tormey conceded the win wasn’t entirely expected as she made her way onto the track. 

“He wasn’t entitled to win the way the race was run as it’s not really his go being off the fence and making a run that far from home,  but to his credit he ran past them and dug in deep late,” Tormey said. 

“Not from the draw and the short distance is usually his favorite trip, you never know in these races the leader got pulling a bit and there were a few different form lines,” she said.  

Tormey said the win at headquarters was overdue. 

“He’s showed glimpse of ability and has always promised to win a metro race but he doesn’t get a lot of luck, but tonight he made his own,” she said. 

Tormey said the winner has added another string to his bow. 

“We’ve always driven him on the fence and with his gate speed always taken a sit but it’s good to know that he can do what he did tonight,” she said. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink