The big harness racing weekend at Tabcorp Park Melton got under way tonight with several of the consolations for Sunday's finals being held.
Most analysts were surprised that the well performed Lexus On The Beach missed a place in the final in his elimination last week and from barrier one tonight in the consolation he looked very hard to beat.
And that was how it turned but not before Lexus On The Beach had been given a thorough examination by his opponents.
Away a bit slowly from barrier one for driver Amanda Turnbull, Lexus On The Beach managed to hold the front but was a bit keen early.
Keeping up a solid clip in front, Lexus On The Beach looked to be in a bit of trouble down the back straight the last time but grabbed the bit again and showed a bit of grit in the home straight to hold his challengers at bay.
Lexus On The Beach paced the 2240 metre in a smart 2:42.8 in the windy conditions, a mile rate of 1:56.9 with closing sectionals of 57.1 and 28.9.
Amanda Turnbull was all smiles when talking to Harnesslink post race.
" He was a bit slow out of the gate but managed to hold the front."
"However he got very keen early but he did came back to me."
"Then going down the back the last time he dropped the bit and I had to work on him a bit to get him going again."
" In the home straight he really dug in and there was no way they were getting past him," Amanda said
The son of Somebeachsomewhere still has a bit to learn as his run showed tonight but looks to have a bright future.
Harnesslink Media