Rocket’s a blast for Dan

The decision to play at home in preference to attempting a Newcastle Mile threepeat paid off for Miracle Mile harness racing aspirant Mach Dan (Mach Three) when he led all the way in The Geelong Rocket over the flying mile at Beckley Park. 

A well supported $1.70 favorite, Mach Dan speared to the lead from his wide front row draw while his main danger and reigning Miracle Mile champion Catch A Wave worked around to keep him company in the death seat. 

Following a 28.4 opening quarter, driver Mark Pitt was allowed to clamp on the brakes and Mach Dan took the field through a leisurely 32.4 second split and the contest was effectively over with the winner reeling off a 55.7 last 800. 

Pitt conceded he was always confident of victory after being afforded a second quarter ‘breather’. 

“Before the race there was a question mark whether La Captain was going to hold the lead but once we got the front and then got the 32.4 second quarter the race was his to lose,” Pitt said. 

“They talked about Catch A Wave rolling forward so I thought there might have been a bit of mid-race pressure, but once there was none I thought he was home,” he said. 

Pitt said the son of Mach Three is bound for Sydney this week to contest the Miracle Mile preludes at Menangle. 

“Let’s hope he’s in the right head space and if he gets a good draw and can use his gate speed then he’s going to be very hard to beat,” he said. 

Pitt believes Mach Dan will plenty of benefit from his third run back from a spell. 

“He blew up over the back after the race and he always seems to get better with the more racing he has,” he said. 

Meanwhile Catch A Wave will have lost few admirers as attempts to defend his Miracle Mile crown hitting the line strongly and narrowing the margin to a metre on the post 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink