Track record smashed by former Kiwi

Mr Perfect (Bettors Delight) looks to have a bright harness racing future here in Australia after smashing an Echuca track record that had stood since 2017 with his first run on our shores.

The New Zealand import produced a brilliant display for new trainer Russell Jack in Tuesday night’s VHRC Horse Memberships Available Until June 30 Pace, clocking a mile rate of 1:56.6min in a big win over the 2160m trip.

Mr Perfect was sent to the front by driver Nathan Jack shortly after the start and had the talented Blitzern (Allan McDonough/Ryan Sanderson) parked outside him for much of the journey. The two horses engaged in a war during the last lap and it was Mr Perfect that held an advantage, kicking clear to win by more than 5m on the line.

The performance lowered the track record mark of 1:56.8min previously set by Michael Joseph in 2017 and equalled by Hollys Miss Molly in 2018.

“I don’t think he is a star, but I think he will do a good job,” Nathan Jack said of Mr Perfect.

“He was working with Spring In His Step. He reminds me a lot of Oh Jonny B Good.”

MR PERFECT REPLAY

Mr Perfect is a four-year-old gelding, who won three races from 28 career starts in New Zealand before being purchased and then exported to Australia in early May.

Meanwhile, Emma Stewart-trained Petillante (Somebeachsomewhere) set a new 2160m Echuca track record for three-year-old fillies with her victory in the night’s feature, the George Croxford Tribute.

The filly was driven by Mark Pitt and led all the way in a mile rate of 1:58.1min.

For complete Echuca Tuesday results, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV