Tough New Zealand-bred six-year-old Rakasinc appears likely to be sold to American interests who are keen to race him in the United States.
That was the news that came out after Emily Suvaljko had driven Rakasinc, the $1.40 favourite, to a powerful victory in the 2130m Better Your Club With TABtouch Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Thereugo began with typical alacrity from the No. 6 barrier to dash to the front 80m after the start. Lindsay Harper then was content to take the sit behind Rakasinc, who surged to the front after 300m and proceeded to set a solid pace with quarters of 30.2sec., 29.2sec., 28.4sec. and 28.7sec. He went on to win by just over a length from $3.40 second fancy Alta Blues, who finished solidly from fifth at the bell.
Part-owner Kevin Jeavons said that Rakasinc loved to get out in front and run but moving up to Free-For-All company was likely to prove a different kettle of fish.
“He can run all day, but he hasn’t got the high speed that is required to compete strongly in Free-For-Alls,” he said. “We have someone interested in buying him and he may be going to America.”
Rakasinc, who gave Ravenswood horseman Nathan Turvey the second leg of his first Friday night training treble, raced 27 times in New South Wales before coming to Western Australia where he has blossomed under Turvey’s care and has had 41 starts in the State for 13 wins and ten placings to boost his career earnings to $140,357.
Turvey and Suvaljko are proving a highly successful combination, which was to the fore in the race before Rakasinc gave the 20-year-old Suvaljko her ninth win from 27 drives behind the son of Changeover when $10.30 chance Blue Blazer raced in ninth position before surging home, three wide, to get to the front 90m from the post and win easily from the $2.65 favourite Henwood Bay, who raced outside the pacemaker Baylan Jett before getting to the front at the 250m mark.
The win gave Suvaljko a record of two drives behind Blue Blazer for two wins, and it took the Auckland Reactor six-year-old gelding’s record to 80 starts for 13 wins, 17 placings and $106,294 in stakes.
Blue Blazer won twice in New Zealand and six times in New South Wales, and his 38 starts ion WA have produced a further five victories.
by Ken Casellas