Mach Three son too good in $50,000 Classic

The harness racing pundits in Western Australia thought last nights Champagne Classic for two year olds at Gloucester Park was a one horse affair with the unbeaten Ideal Tyson a very warm favourite.

And why wouldn't he be with six wins in a row and a best time of 1:55.5.

The Gary Elson trained son of American Ideal was given time by driver Chris Voak to find his feet early from barrier five before before pressing on to the front with just over a mile to go.

Another Gary Elson trained runner in Sprinter with Nathan Turvey in the bike was also well supported but he dropped out to the rear from the outside of the front line as soon as the gate went.

Chris Voak kept Ideal Tyson bowling along in front and passing the 600 metres mark he looked to still have plenty left in the tank until Rich Yankee attacked the leader and Ideal Tyson was immediately under pressure.

Rich Yankee turned for home in front with first starter Lightning Jolt in hot pursuit but both were bloused late by a flying Sprinter , who came from last at the 400 metres for an emphatic victory.

Sprinter paced the 2130 metres in 2:36.7, a mile rate of 1:58.4 with closing sectionals of 58.9 and 29.6.

Gary Elson, who had three runners in last nights race may have come up empty with the hot favourite Ideal Tyson but still scooped the major share of the $50,000 race with one of his other his other runners, Sprinter.

A $34,000 purchase at last years Australasian Classic yearling sale at Auckland by Gary, the son of Mach Three had won three of five before last night and looked like a horse on the up.

Last night was the first time that a lot of those two year olds had gone much further than a mile and Sprinter looked to really appreciate the extra distance of the Champagne Classic.

Harnesslink Media