Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Veteran pacer Carrera Mach took full advantage of an unexpected occurrence to win the 2130m HTA Setting New Standards In Hoisting Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The eight-year-old, a $7.70 chance, travelled well behind the pacemaker and $2.40 favourite Rodasi until that pacer suddenly veered out to the outside fence, causing severe interference to Disco Under Fire, Amazing American and Alta Rhett, 370 metres from home.
This left Carrera Mach in front, and a surprised Chris Voak happily guided the gelding to an easy victory, beating $26 chance Gee Smith by a length.
“Rodasi just veered up the track,” said Voak. “I think he was pulling a bit the whole way and was wanting to lug up most of the way. Before he ran up the track I thought we were probably going to run second. You’re due to get an ounce of luck sometimes.”
Carrera Mach, trained by Jemma Hayman, ended a losing sequence of twelve and took his record to 127 starts for 15 wins and 42 placings for stakes of $191,985.