Yambukian surprises his opponents in Free For All win

Talented pacer Yambukian (Bettors Delight) upset his more fancied harness racing rivals when he outstayed his opponents to take out the IRT Free for All at Melton on Saturday night.

In a race where the complexion changed a number of times Inter Dominion candidate Bulletproof Boy was able to work his way around to the front.

Driver Jordan Leedham on Yambukian made his winning move when he took off the back part of the field with about 1600 metres to travel to be able to go outside the leader. Favourite Cantfindabettorman also in contention for the Inter Dominion from his second row draw settled back near the rear of the field while the well supported Rakero Rebel was four back on the rails.

Yambukian continued to pressure Bulletproof Boy on the final bend and he drew clear with a winning break. Young Bluey who was three back on the rails finished quickly along the fence but failed to catch Yambukian by just over a metre with Bulletproof Boy fighting on for third.

Cantfindabettorman was out three wide in the back straight on the final occasion but he appeared to be making heavy weather of it and was struggling to stay in touch on straightening. But given that the winner ran his third quarter of 28.1 seconds and his final quarter 27.4 seconds it was no surprise that he could not make up much ground.

YAMBUKIAN MAY 31 REPLAY

The other hard luck story was that of Rakero Rebel who was buried back along the rails and never saw daylight until well into the home straight.

Driver Jordan Leedham is on roll having won 10 races during May. “I’m having a great run at the moment. I’m getting some great opportunities of late. I’m glad to make the most of them” he commented.

“There was plenty of speed early off the gate and when I saw Scotty (on Bulletproof Boy) pushing through I knew if he got the front we could get up outside of him.”

“He was going to be vulnerable late with a lead time like that. Luckily we got outside of him without doing too much work and we were too strong in the end.”

Leedham is not aware of Yambukian going to the Inter Dominion.

“He’ll probably just stay down here and keep contesting these races and being very competitive as you can see.”

Yambukian has had to live in the shadow of his illustrious younger brother Catch A Wave but he has still amassed just over $250,000 in stake money with 17 wins and 16 placings from 64 race starts. The seven year old gelding is racing in great heart and has plenty of wins still in store.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink