Nostalgic win for ‘Pecker’ at Mildura

Popular freelance reinsman Neil ‘Pecker’ had to call on all his guile and experience in steering Im Blingin It (Bling It On) to harness racing victory in the $20,000 Euston Club Pace Final at Mildura. 

A heat winner earlier in the week, Im Blingin It won the battle for the lead from his wide front row draw and McCallum threw a 28.4 back straight quarter at his rivals before taking hold around the final bend. 

McCallum released the reins at the top of the straight,  and much to the joy of punters,  Im Blingin It ($2.25 fav) held on to score by a short half head from Only Once Bitten which made a late lunge on the post after getting out late from behind the leader. 

Im Blingin It has just held on to take out the Euston Club Resort Pace Final for trainer Naomi Kerr and driver Neil McCallum. pic.twitter.com/ZCe5Cly75U

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) April 6, 2024

McCallum acknowledged the margin was closer than he would have liked. 

“It was starting to get a bit exciting there at the end and I know it got the heart rate up,” McCallum   

McCallum revealed a change of gear almost brought the winner undone. 

“We tried the pull ups on him tonight but when I pulled them he backed off under me, so my advice is to take them off because the other night in the heat he just cruised up the straight without them,” he said. 

The win also allowed the 59-year-old McCallum to reflect on a moment of nostalgia. 

“In January this year it was 40 years since I started driving in races and my first drive was here at Mildura,” he said. 

The win took Im Blingin It’s career record to seven wins and nine placings from 21 racetrack outings. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink