Triple Eight in back to back Pure Steel win

Evergreen pacer Triple Eight (American Ideal) showed his younger harness racing rivals how it’s done when he outsprinted a smart field in the Betavet Pure Steel at Melton last night that now gives him back to back wins in the coveted classic.

Patiently driven back in the field by Greg Sugars, Triple Eight was giving the leaders a fair start. Rock N Roll Doo was setting a brisk pace in the lead with the more fancied stablemate Exotic Bushranger settled behind the leader. Favourite Captain Hammerhead didn’t get anything going his own way having to race outside the leader.

Rock N Roll Doo was still travelling well coming off the back but Triple Eight was starting that customary long sprint home. Exotic Bushranger was still looking for an inside run but at this stage the bird had flown and Triple Eight cleared ahead of the pack to defeat Exotic Bushranger by two metres with Tango Tara coming from well back for third.

Trainer Jess Tubbs was full of praise for the ten year old gelding

“He’s so special. Wonderful that he can do back to back at his age. He’s a real favourite at home.”

“He’ll tell us when he’s had enough and then he’ll go to a well earned rest in the paddock.”

“He’s goes away from a stand so we’ll consider any of the future Country Cups. Tonight he ran really well.”

However Tubbs has ruled out another Inter Dominion campaign for Triple Eight saying that he’s not now able to continue another campaign. However he obviously enjoys racing and while he is continuing such rare form for his age will make his presence felt in similar company.

Captain Hammerhead once again didn’t enjoy a great deal of luck so his run would be best forgotten. Exotic Bushranger continues to improve and is relatively lightly raced and should get better with age.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink