Classy sit and sprint gelding Nerano (Tintin in America) showed his electrical turn of foot In taking out the Second round Heat 4 of the Inter Dominion Pacing Championships at Bathurst last night.
Drawn behind pole marker Blacksadance who was driven by late replacement Cameron Hart, Nerano followed up when Blacksadance held the lead and was confidently handled by Jack Callaghan.
Blacksadance was backed into favouritism but Nerano had plenty of admirers ahead of the easing Captains Knock.Ā
Don Lou showed speed but was forced to race outside the leader with Dangerous getting the one out and one back trail, while Captains Knock from his draw had to race behind Nerano so he was under lock and key. Blacksadance had a breather with a 30 second 2nd quarter but then he stepped on the gas to run his 3rd quarter in 26.9 seconds.
But on straightening Nerano took the inside run and he strode away for a comfortable 4 metre win over Dangerous who followed from his excellent placing in the opening round for second with Captains Knock finishing on for third and he will be better for that run. Blacksadance finished 5th and will find it difficult to qualify for the final.Ā
Winning driver Jack Callaghan stated:
āI was waiting for the sprint lane. I had to be cautious. Heās got a good turn of foot for a trip like that. At Newcastle I was wrapped with his run. He ran the fastest sectional on the night. I didnāt have concerns holding on to Blacksadanceās back. At this stage itās a bit hard to split him and stablemate Curly James. They both have great opening and closing speed. It will come down to the drawsā.
For complete race results,Ā click here.
byĀ Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink