Stormryder outclasses opposition in Gordon Rothacker Memorial

Promising harness racing three year old Stormryder (Captaintreacherous) gave nothing else a chance when he led all the way to comfortably take out the Gordon Rothacker Memorial at Melton last night.

As expected from his plum barrier 2 draw Stormryder easily found the lead. Dee Roe who like Stormryder had won his Heat last week had no luck early caught wide and was forced back to the rear of the field. 

Driver Jackie Barker let Dee Roe go along the back straight and he moved up alongside Stormryder but Mark Pitt just shook up his charge and he strode away going a fast 26.8 for his final quarter to record an easy win. 

Driver Mark Pitt acknowledged the luck that goes in barrier draws

“The barrier draw can go against nice horses and has to be overcome. But you sort of control without going over the top. He’s (Stormryder) been a great horse right from his juvenile days but barrier draws come down to be a big thing.”

As a two year old Stormryder won the VicBred two year old colts and geldings final at Melton but as a three year old had little luck in the classics partly a result of him having unfavourable barrier draws.

Pitt was not sure whether the stable would keep Stormryder ticking along or whether he would go out for a spell.

Dee Roe showed plenty of grit in holding on for second and trainer Aaron Dunn has the colt in rare form.

The Gordon Rothacker Memorial  is held annually and honours the career and legacy of one of the country’s finest trainer drivers who was dominant in the early days of harness racing in Victoria.

He won a record 14 Melbourne drivers’ premierships and the trainers’ title on 10 occasions, and was the first reinsman to land 500 winners on Melbourne tracks.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink