Michael Bellman has high hopes for Mecarno

Three year old trotter Mecarno (Tactical Landing) having only his sixth harness racing start made it two on end when he finished powerfully to take out the Need for Speed Noms on Harnessweb Trot at Melton on Saturday night.

The solidly packed gelding was allowed plenty of time to settle down by driver Michael Bellman and eventually obtained a one out and two back trail behind Mystery Fred.

In an action packed event early Ezra Kai found the early lead while the favourite in an open betting race Keayang Kurki galloped away at the start and settled near the rear of the field.

MECARNO MAY 24 REPLAY

Ezra Kai set his rivals a merry dance but Mystery Fred made his three wide and Mecarno was out four wide but in a driving finish Mecarno urged on by Bellman came away to win by just under three metres from Mystery Fred with Ezra Kai third.

Bellman has a very opinion of Mecarno.

“We just put him away as a two year old. We always knew he had the ability but just felt he would take that bit of time to mature.”

“We set him for the New South Wales Derby but the handicapper told us we weren’t good enough so I was hoping he was watching tonight.”

“I think his chances of being in amongst them all the way. He’ll do his back teeth in the Derbies later in the year.”

“We don’t know what we’re going to do with him. Whether we put him away for a little bit and target races like the Holmfield and bring him back for the Derbies and Vic Breds later in the year.”

“I think he’ll fill out and he just seems he’ll stay all day. He’s got a bit of upside to him. He’s Tic Toc’s brother but they’re like chalk and cheese.”

“If I could only work one horse this would be it.”

There’s a lot to like about Mecarno. Although only lightly raced he already appears to look a good trotter with a determination at the business end of the race. He will need to move up a notch to take on the likes of star filly Gatesys Gem but he can only improve and may well be a more seasoned trotter by the time the classics come around.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink