Pesci outsprints them in Ararat Cup

Handy pacer Pesci (Sunshine Beach) scored the most important win in his harness racing career with a sterling finish to take out the $20,000 Ararat Advocate Pacing Cup Final last night at the Ararat Paceway.

Backed into favouritism Pesci from his second row draw was eased back to the rear by driver James Herbertson. Sometufflov who was supported into equal second favourite found the lead early with Auckland Red caught three wide early and having no luck having to race outside the leader. Chasing Rex had a one out two back trail with Dawson right behind him.

With a lap left to travel Chasing Rex made a move three wide with Dawson following him and Pesci right behind him.

Chasing Rex beat off Sometufflov but Dawson was poised to strike on the final bend. But in a master stroke Herbertson went back to the inside and the diminutive little pacer finished too strongly to defeat Chasing Rex with Dawson fading on his run to take third placing.

Trained by Shaun and Jason McNaulty Pesci had finished third in his heat at Stawell but had been caught wide on that run.

The winner rated a credible 1.56.7 for the 2195 metres which was only one second outside the track record.

The win completed a treble for Herbertson as he had won with American Alli (American Ideal) and Redbank Molly (Better than Cheddar) the latter also trained by the McNaulty brothers.

Herbertson was certainly pleased after the event.

“He’s a lovely little horse. there was not much tempo mid race as I would have liked. But his ability come to the fore. He got the right run in transit. Shaun had him spot on. He was a bit worried after Stawell the other day but he didn’t like the track there.  Dawson had a length on him but when I asked the little bloke he really found and he still had a bit left on the line”. “It’s a credit to the Ararat club the track was spot on.”

Herbertson has a long association with Shaun and Jason McNaulty and he paid tribute to the brothers. “It’s nice to win races for good people.”

Trainer Shaun McNaulty commented. “It was looking good early. I was still worried to be so far back. He had to duck back on the inside and that’s what has won him the race.” “I’ve always liked him, I was a bit disappointed last time with the way he travelled but Herbie assured me he was right.” “It’s going to be tough in the future as he’s a class 75 now so we’ll go to town (Melton) with him. But it’s great to win here. I love these smaller tracks.”

Chasing Rex who was having only his tenth race start showed a lot of fight in holding on for second and he should be prominent in one of the Victorian country cups currently on the harness racing circuit.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink