Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Chris Voak and Stuart McDonald were shining lights at Gloucester Park on Friday night when not even the photo finish camera was able to separate them at the finish of the Grange Bloodstock Insurance Pace.
After a head and head struggle over the final 300 metres between Post Game (Voak) and Hes Never Been Beta (McDonald) the two pacers were locked together as they crossed the finishing line.
Post Game’s victory completed a double for Voak, who had been successful earlier in the night with Duty Bound, while McDonald’s win with Hes Never Been Beta gave him a treble after he had won earlier with Mister Smartee and Jumpingjackmac.
Voak continued in fine form at Bunbury on Saturday night when he landed a treble with Caberneigh, Northview Dance and Linebacker, while McDonald also drove three winners there, scoring with Maddy Maddy, Madam Publisher and The State Of Art. McDonald, who trained Madam Publisher and The State Of Art for first-up wins, travelled to Kellerberrin on Sunday where he drove Local Resident to victory in the final event.
Post Game was the $1.45 favourite on the fixed market on Friday night’s event, with Hes Never Been Beta quoted at $6.50. When the dead-heat was declared Post Game returned a dividend of exactly $1, with Hes Never Been Beta paying $5.10.
Post Game set the pace from the No. 1 barrier, with Hes Never Been Beta working hard in the breeze after starting from the outside barrier in the field of seven. Hes Never Been Beta got to a narrow lead 300m from the post, but Post Game fought back tenaciously in the home straight.
Hes Never Been Beta completed a training treble for Gary Hall Snr, who had won earlier in the program with Mister Smartee and Jumpingjackmac.
Lucapelo finished third behind Post Game and Hes Never Been Beta, with Advantage catching the eye with a powerful late burst, out five wide, to finish a close fourth.