Winter racing continued at the Young Paceway last Friday night with another competitive program that once again included some fast time and close finishes.
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Eglinton trainer Nathan Hurst started the program off on a high note when his seven year old gelding Spanish Lustre ($8.30) finished strongly to record a nose victory over the more fancied Lorne Beach ($2.40) and Master Benny ($7.80) with the winner posting a smart 1:58.8 mile rating for the 1,720 m event.
The second race was again run in a sub two minute performance when the Canberra trained Huge Attitude ($1.80) driven by Will Rixon, took full advantage of the draw to lead throughout in defeating Wee Jimmy ($4.30) and Snoop Stride ($20.20) with a mile rating of 1:59.1 and an advantage of 12 m over his opposition.
Without doubt, the surprise of the night was in race three when local driver Nic Dewar, current leading local driver, drove a daring race behind rank outsider Misntherope ($53.40) in defeating Exclusive Jack ($28.30) and Edge Of The Starzz ($8.40) in a race that had the crowd on their toes throughout the 1,720 m journey.
Amanda Turnbull, who is the current lkeader in the Young Harness Clubs Driver of the Year, braved the cold conditions to keep favourite backers happy with the courage Under Fire gelding Hidden Courage ($1.60) in race four.
Local trainer Josh Powderly, who is currently the leading local trainer, placed his five year old gelding nicely in race five with Thanku Thanku ($3.79) driven by Todd Day arriving just in time to defeat Hinchinbrook ($3.50) and Boundtobewild ($24.50) in an exciting finish.
Gemma Hewitt turned out the Big Jim three year old filly Big In America ($1.80) in great condition to take out race six under the guidance of Mat Rue who certainly put the favourite in a winning position early in defeating The Bigbadwolfe ($14.50) and Mangochillilime ($8.60).
Wendy and Emma Turnbull combined in race seven with Lucky Iffy ($3.90) getting the upper hand over Blackmagic Shannon ($4.80) and Barkway Bill ($6.80) who again ran an eye catching race since joining the Michael Hawke stable.
The final race of the night resulted in a win for the Bathurst trained Siotada ($5.10) who lead at the bell and posted a creditable 7½ m win over Lalah for Temora trainer Ron Tarbit with Jackeroo Shannon ($34.30) running another honest race for Peter Bullock finishing third.
Young will race again on Friday night with a similar programme before another meeting that is set down for Friday night August 25.