Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Promising four-year-old Acharne Girl made an excellent return to racing after a nine-week absence when she finished full of running to win the 2130m Catalano Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The Alta Christiano mare, trained by Gary Hall Snr, was a $4.60 chance ($5.50 on the fixed market) from the inside of the back line, with the Justin Prentice-trained Rambo Rabbit, the $1.90 favourite from the No. 2 barrier.
Rombo Rabbit set the pace, with Acharne Girl racing three back on the pegs, and looking in grave danger of being blocked for a run until Gary Hall Jnr was able to ease her into the clear about 300m from home. Acharne Girl finished strongly, out three wide, to get to the front in the final 15m and beat $5 chance Lucca by a neck.
Acharne Girl rated a smart 1.56.2 and improved her record to 20 starts for seven wins, five placings and $104,855.
“She got lucky, getting through the gap,” said Hall Jnr. “She had had only one decent hit-out at home, but she didn’t have a long spell. She will get fitter and learn to race better.”