Easy pickings for Rakamurph

“He was a two win horse and he got in against maidens in a $15,000 race, so it was a no brainer really,” junior harness racing driver Oliver Kite said after Rakamurph (Captaintreacherous) won his third race at Ascot Park today (Nov. 23).

It was a case of taking the best horse to the front and staying out of trouble and Kite did that to a tee. 

“It was a good run and we got away with a bit. He was travelling pretty good coming off the back. It was just going to be a sprint home and I thought he’d be hard to catch.”

Trained by Nathan Williamson at Branxholme, Rakamurph ran home from the 800 in 57.6 – winning easily by two and a half lengths from first starter Saint Lou (Sweet Lou).

RAKAMURPH REPLAY

The win was a relief for the Williamson team because on Cup Day – Sand Wave, Pembrook Playboy and Rakamurph all performed below par. It was discovered they’d caught a bug before they raced.

“They came home and had a bit of time off. In the time off he (Rakamurph) hasn’t coughed. His work during the week had been pretty good so I was confident going into today’s race.”

Earlier on the card Te Anau owner Wayne McEwan and trainer driver Kirstin Green scored a double with Branxholme Lass (Sir Lincoln) and Major Fire (Art Major) with both clearing maiden ranks.

Ascot Park trainer Richard Austin provided the upset of the day when Joanie Magic (Net Ten EOM) got to the front early and held on to win by a length and a half, paying $36 to win.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink