Rakero Rocket scorches again in sub 1.50

Freakish sprinter Rakero Rocket (Rock N Roll Heaven) burst into Miracle Mile contention when he gave yet another blistering harness racing display to an all the way win in the Listed PJ Hall Free For All at Menangle on Saturday evening.

A fortnight ago Rakero Rocket made everyone sit up and notice in winning in 1.47.3 the second fastest time ever recorded at the Menangle Park raceway.

Having drawn the pole, it was expected that Rakero Rocket would hold the early lead and that’s precisely how the race turned out to be.

The race was robbed of interest when one of the big pins of Australian harness racing Don Hugo was scratched.

RAKERO ROCKET 24 JAN REPLAY

Nonetheless showing blistering early speed Rakero Rocket with Cameron Hart in control was able to lead and run his first quarter in 27.9 seconds. The rest of the field followed in Indian file with Ubetcha Tigerpie taking the trail behind the leader. Max Delight who was resuming from a short spell settled in fifth position.

Hart nursed Rakero Rocket along the way running 28.5 seconds for the second quarter. Will Rixon on Max Delight started a run on the veteran. However Rakero Rocket was off and gone and running his last two quarters in 26.9 and 26.2 seconds didn’t give his rivals a chance.

In the end it was left to Ubetcha Tigerpie and Pete Said So to do the chasing to fill in the placings. Overall Rakero Rocket run 1.49.5 for the mile but he was never extended at any stage.

The former New Zealander must now be seriously considered for the Miracle Mile on the basis of his times and what makes his efforts all the more impressive is the way he has been unextended at the finish.

Hart was full of praise for Rakero Rocket.

He’s just got that great turn of foot and he showed it tonight. Its nice to run a good back up tonight. He put up a big mile, probably ran his first half a little quicker than his last half than the other day. To drop a couple of 26s on the end of that mile was really pleasing.

He wasn’t asked for all his effort. It was super pleasing to run all those quarters and still had the plugs in. And have a bit of a roll along 200 metres past the post. So coming up to the Miracle Mile hope he stays with this kind of form.

There are plenty of options for him which is really exciting. The original plan was just to stay in Sydney and New South Wales with him. He might just keep ticking over here until our carnival. But we’ll wait and leave it up to Jason.

Hart secured a winning double when Vinke B (Vincent) showed plenty of courage taking out the final event leading for most of the way.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink