Rakero Rocket runs 1.47.3 in breathtaking leaders display

Former New Zealander Rakero Rocket (Rock N Roll Heaven) turned in one of the most incredible speed performances when leading all the way in the Club Menangle Free For All at Menangle on Saturday evening.

The win gave harness racing trainer Jason Grimson the privilege of training the first five winners on the night’s program and driver Cameron Hart his fourth win.

The presence of star pacer Captains Knock didn’t deter supporters of Rakero Rocket and he was heavily backed into favouritism. In contrast Captains Knock was a drifter.

The race was determined shortly after the start when Rakero Rocket showing electrifying speed went straight to the front and was able to hold out Captains Knock who was then forced to race outside the leader.

RAKERO ROCKET 10 JAN REPLAY

Rakero Rocket ran his first quarter in an amazing 25.4 seconds and although it was assumed he might run slower he just kept going to run his other quarters in 27.5, 27.1 and 27.3 seconds to record a scintillating 1.47.3 which is the second fastest ever run in the Southern Hemisphere and only 0.4 seconds outside the record of 1.46.9 set by My Field Mashal set in February 2018.

Stable mate Huta who had the trail behind the leader kept chasing but with such a hot pace he couldn’t muster a challenge and he had to be content with second placing just under 12 metres away with Perfect Stride in third place.

Cameron Hart was thrilled with the performance.

That was scintillating and exciting to be sitting behind him. He just felt great as soon as the gate went. He zipped across he’s got such high speed and just held that stamina for so long. When Brad got up alongside me he was looking to press forward I just let him stride along. He was just super impressive.

I’m not too sure of what’s next for him. Jason will have to sit down and have a discussion and see where we go but obviously a Miracle Mile would be lovely target for him throughout our carnival. The mile he’s put up tonight would win most of them. So that’s exciting going forward for him. Hopefully in a couple of months he’ll be going just as well.

Captains Knock gave ground to finish seventh and fortunately there were no abnormalities reported after a vets examination. He is still in contention for the NSW country clubs bonus where the next leg of the series will be the Bathurst Cup on 30 January.

Rakero Rocket was a more than capable pacer in New Zealand where he was the inaugural winner of the first ever Group 1 Christian Cullen, the Methven Cup and the Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Classic.

He’s only been under Jason Grimson’s care for a short while and in New Zealand he showed formidable staying qualities which augurs well for whatever he is set for in the near future.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink