Newcastle to keep up the pace after feature mile

Last Friday night’s (Feb. 17) feature meeting concluded a highly successful Febfest carnival for the Newcastle Harness Racing Club, highlighted by the running of the Group 2 AVE Technologies Newcastle Mile.

Held over three weeks, the Carnival attracted healthy crowds and was just reward for the hard work that Chairman, Daryl Rodgers, his committee, and staff put into the promotion, and it proved just how popular the sport is in the Hunter Valley.

And the main event on Friday night certainly did not disappoint with the Emma Stewart-trained Mach Dan (Mach Three) taking the honours for the second year in succession.

In winning, the Victorian secured automatic entry into next month’s million-dollar Miracle Mile at Tabcorp Park Menangle and took his career earnings beyond $780,000.

Driven by ace reinsman Mark Pitt, Mach Dan was forced to do all the bullocking work outside the leader after beginning well from his front line draw.

But he produced the best of his fighting qualities to lift himself off the canvas and stave off late challenges from Sydneysiders Tasty Delight and Petes Said So to score by a neck and record a slick 1:51.1 which was just four tenths of a second outside Majordan’s 2020 track record.

“Going into the race I felt that on form we had the best credentials,” said Pitt.

“My main concern was the sticky barrier draw but he travelled well throughout the run and then fought hard for a well-deserved win.

“It is now onwards and upwards as we prepare for the Miracle Mile. He acquitted himself well, only being beaten by just under eight metres in last year’s Mile and if he gets his even share of luck on Saturday week, he should perform well again.”

MACH DAN REPLAY

Newcastle will conduct a nine-race program tonight with the opening race getting underway at 6:40pm.

Favourite for the race in a wide betting market is the Brad Elder-trained, Big Skewy (Sportswriter) who will start from gate two.

But the highlight of the night is the HRNSW Guaranteed Two-Year-Old Pace (race 6) with nine of the ten runners making their racetrack debut.

Pheasant’s Nest trainer, driver Darren Hancock has the well-bred first starter Protagonist in the race starting from gate four.

The colt by American Ideal and from the smart performer and now producing mare Daniela Hantuchova impressed in a recent trial win at Menangle clocking 1:56.7.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW