Luke McCarthy Photo by Gary Wild
THE Belinda and Luke McCarthy machine rolled on in the second semi-final of the Australian Pacing Gold for two-year-old colts and geldings when Lettucerockthem scored an exciting win.
Having only his second start for the stable, Lettucerockthem enjoyed a charmed run with a one-one and one-back trail before overhauling the David Aiken-trained Victorian speedster Bespoke Artist in the run to the line to score in a 1:55.3 mile rate.
Another Victorian visitor Young Modern finished third.
Bespoke Artist actually contacted the wheel of another sulky in the drive to line and veered sideways just as he crossed the line but the stewards didn’t deem any of the interference worthy of changing the result and Bespoke Artist will get his opportunity for revenge when he contests the final.
Both Lettucerockthem and Bespoke Artist were well-backed and jockeyed for favouritism before the event before Bespoke Artist eventually started at $1.70 while Lettucerockthem eased slightly to be at $2.70.
And Bespoke Artist showed all his customary gatespeed to easily lead from gate six as the field sped over the opening quarter in 27.6. Reinsman Chris Alford was able to back off the speed with a 30.4 second quarter before coming home in 57.3 seconds (splits of 29.3 and 28 seconds) to go under narrowly.
Former Sydneysider Aiken will be confident he can turn the tables in the final although Team McCarthy look like having three runner following All Eyes On Us and Bling It On filling the quinella in the earlier APG semi-final.
For more information telephone NSWHRC chief executive John Dumesny on 0438-398-210.
