The Janitor cleans them up

Queensland pacer The Janitor (Always B Miki) issued a statement when he scored a stylish harness racing win in the Bestinbeds Pace at Menangle Park last night. The event was a consolation for those who were not successful in qualifying for the Hondo Grattan Stakes that is a necessary prelude to the Group 1 $250,000 Chariots of Fire to be held on 1 March.

Harness racing punters had The Janitor an easing favourite while there was good support for the unbeaten Birkirkara and Ravishing Sloy.

From his awkward wide draw, driver Cameron Hart was caught wide early and he had no option but to press forward and race outside the leader Sweet Mama who showed scintillating speed to take up the running.

Towards the final bend The Janitor surged to the front but Supa American who had the trail behind the leader eased out for a challenge while Charge Ahead and Birkirkara who were both held up only got clear towards the finish.

THE JANITOR REPLAY

This gave The Janitor a crucial break and he held out Charge Ahead and Birkirkara to record a most impressive win. His mile rate of 1.49.6 was enhanced by his last quarter of 26.7 seconds a credible effort given that he was forced to race outside the leader throughout.

With Charge Ahead and Birkirkara filling in the placings the result gave Queensland trained pacers a rare one two three in a race at Menangle.

The Janitor is trained by Chantal Turpin and he came into this race with strong form. The gelding is relatively lightly raced and now has 8 wins from 15 starts.

All three placegetters are most likely to compete in next weeks Paleface Adios where it is likely that the first four placegetters will qualify for the Chariots of Fire.

Birkirkara’s unbeaten record of previous five wins was broken last night but he was far from disgraced and will be improved by that effort as will also be Charge Ahead.

Outside the placegetters the eye catching run was that of Dashing, now in the stable of Luke McCarthy who rattled home for a close fifth after coming from the rear.

It will make a for an intriguing Paleface Adios stakes next week when these talented pacers will be looking to enhance their credentials.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink