Kerryn’s turn for success

Champion reinswoman Kerryn Manning joined the harness racing driver merry go round on Like A Wildfire (Big Jim) in successful fashion in the $24,000 Golden Reign Free For All at Melton.

Manning made a mid-race move to sit parked outside the leader Dangerous with 1400 metres to travel as the leader was able to slow the tempo with a 31 second quarter ‘breather’.

Dangerous appeared to be travelling like a winner on straightening for home however Like A Wildfire ($6) refused to yield, digging deep into his reserves of stamina to get up and score by a head in a slick 26.6 last 400 metres.

The Emma Stewart trained pacer has had different drivers at his past four starts winning with Luke McCarthy and Mark Pitt in the sulky prior to tonight’s victory.

He is just too good!

Kerryn Manning drives Emma Stewart trained Like A Wildfire to success in the TAB Golden Reign Free For All, the first at Melton for the night. pic.twitter.com/de9Pxr8YuS

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) April 27, 2024

“It’s my first drive on him tonight, I was lucky enough to get the steer on him and he’s a lovely horse,” Manning said.

Manning was suitably impressed with the nine-year old’s will to win.

“He just knew where the line was, he gets a bit flat on the bends where he just gets in a little bit but then he goes again in the straight,” she said.

Manning said she had concerns with Ideal Escape finishing hard along the sprint lane

“He got his head in front and then I thought Ellen (Tormey) was going to get to me along the sprint lane, but he kept sticking his head out,” she said.

The win took Like A Wildfire’s stake earnings to more than $400,000.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink