Rakero Rebel’s impressive win in Free For All company

Classy mare Rakero Rebel (Rock N Roll Heaven) defeated what was probably one of her toughest assignments in open company when she came with a strong win to take out the Prydes Easifood Free For All at Melton on Saturday evening.

Trained by Jess Tubbs Rakero Rebel was a solid second favourite behind Cantfindabettorman. She showed early speed but could not held out Cantfindabettorman whose driver Chris Alford seemed determined to get to the front.

Rakero Rebel settled in to trail the leader while another mare Sweet Bella after being three wide was forced to race outside the leader. Bulletproof Boy had the one out and one back trail.

Cantfindabettorman still looked to be travelling easily enough in the lead but he could not shake off the field. Rakero Rebel went for the inside run. In a driving finish Rakero Rebel grabbed the held and she held off a spirited challenge from Sahara Breeze with Sweet Bella a top effort for third after having to do a power of work.

RAKERO REBEL JUN 7 REPLAY

The eye catching run was another Jess Tubbs runner Fighter Command who came from a conspicuous last to flash home for fourth. Sahara Breeze was held up and Young Bluey was never able to obtain a clear run in the home straight.

Driver Glen Craven stated after the race.

“She got the clear run this time. Last week she went into a gap that closed and locked wheels and still had the audacity to get going in the last 20 metres and run up to the winners back.”

“Tonight she was spot on. She did a bit of work early.”

“The original plan was to lead but Chris’s horse was a bit too fast on the first corner so the leader’s back was just as nice.”

“She’s a credit to Jess and all the team what they’ve done with this mare. She’s just pushed buttons she’s so easy to drive. Once the run came she exploded.”

Rakero Rebel won the Queen of the Pacific at Melton last October and in March she took out the Geelong Cup so she has shown her ability in good class.

From an Inter Dominion perspective both Cantfindabettorman and Bulletproof Boy were a bit disappointing although they were close on the heels of the placegetters.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink