Talented intermediate grade pacer Tenacious One was responsible for one of the fastest harness racing miles at Albion Park yesterday (Tuesday).
The free-running gelding scorched the 1000m oval in a time of 1:51.6 – splits of 26.6, 29.8, 27.8 and 27.6 seconds.
Winning driver Chris Petroff was left shocked following the powerful front-running display.
“He’s a talented horse but that was an awesome mile; given he was coming off a let-up and without the benefit of a trial, he did a remarkable job. He looks set for a strong campaign.” Petroff said.
The track record belongs to retired champion Im Themightyquinn at 1:50.4 – who set his mark when successful in the 2014 Sunshine Sprint.
And upon further investigation, only one other pacer has gone faster than Tenacious One with dual Queensland Horse of the Year Avonnova recording a mile rate of 1:51.3 when he proved successful in the 2015 Sunshine Sprint.
Open class pacer and multiple feature race winner Ultimate Art has also recorded a 1:51.6 mile at Albion Park.
So, Tenacious One joins an elite list.
Formerly prepared in Victoria, the Mach Three – Miss Astronomical pacer has always been blessed with abundant ability but his headstrong ways have caused a few headaches.
Since joining the stables of Redcliffe horseman Donny Smith, Tenacious One has been restricted to short course trips and allowed to run in his races.
And the results have flowed.
Tenacious One has won 7 of his 12 starts in the sunshine state.
Assessed a metropolitan maiden, Tenacious One could find himself heading to Sydney at some point this campaign chasing the strong prizemoney on the bigger track.
“Donny does an excellent job with his team and he’s got good options whichever was he wants to go with this horse, a possible Sydney trip makes strong appeal but Donny will make the call when the time comes.
“He’s not the easiest horse to drive and I’ve found it’s best to work with him rather than trying to fight him, he can hold his speed really well and he proved that again yesterday.”
Meanwhile, exciting three-year-old Maestro Bellini trained by Petroff is back in work and aiming at a southern campaign with the Victoria Derby an early target in the New Year.
by Chris Barsby