One for the Highlight Reel

The Highlight Reel (Poster Boy) produced an outstanding debut in taking out the $20,000 Shakamaker Classic at Melton. 

Sent out a $1.50 favorite, The Highlight Reel quickly mustered speed from the pole to lead easily as the small field of six dropped into Indian File formation before Damien Burns made a move on Hesitate to join the leader with a lap to travel. 

The Highlight Reel lengthened stride coming off the back straight and reeled off a 26.4 last 400 metres to defeat a gallant Hesitate by three metres in a mile rate of 1:56.0. 

A REPLAY WORTH SHOWING!
The Highlight Reel goes all the way to win the IRT Shakamaker 2YO Classic on debut for Clayton Tonkin and Mark Pitt! pic.twitter.com/VnoKZ1hhDv

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) March 23, 2024

Driver Mark Pitt said the son of Poster Boy has a bright future. 

“He did it tonight like he’s been here before,” Pitt said. 

“Once he works out how to be a race horse he’s going to be pretty serious,” he said. 

Pitt said leading was a new experience for the debutant. 

“He got off the gate really good and I was probably a little bit worried as it was the first time he’s been in front, in his trials he’s been off the trail so he’s got a bit to learn,” he said. 

Pitt acknowledged The Highlight Reel, who is trained by Clayton Tonkin, put in a rough step on straightening. 

“He just got hanging in a little bit on that last turn, but it’s the first time he’s been away at the races so it’s all a bit new to him,” he said. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink