Cash N Flow stamped himself as one of the major players in next weekend's Victoria Cup after a scintillating display at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night.
On a magical evening for New South Wales-based trainer Craig Cross and driver Luke McCarthy, the son of Mach Three produced the second quickest run over the 1720m trip at headquarters in winning the Group 2 TAB Smoken Up Sprint.
Cash N Flow rated a blistering 1:50:8, which was just a shade outside Cruz Bromac's 1:50.7 run.
"He was jogging around the corner – I should have let him slide a bit," McCarthy said in regards to getting so close to a new track record.
"He worked too good last week in that trial and he feels the best he has ever felt through any preparation.
"I think maybe he has had that season at that better level racing free-for-allers and he has strengthened right up."
The arrogant front-running display was reminiscent of the great Smoken Up, who led the field out for the feature.
After leading straight off the arm, McCarthy was able to dictate terms in front and surge away down the home straight to beat runner-up Wrappers Delight by nine metres. Comeback kid My Kiwi Mate charged home nicely for third.
Cash N Flow's performance came at his first start since July 20 when he choked down and was pulled up in the Group 1 Blacks A Fake at Albion Park.
The seven-year-old gelding is now $6 in TAB markets for next Saturday night's Victoria Cup, where stablemate Alta Orlando and recent Kilmore Pacing Cup champion San Carlo share favouritism at $5.
Also in major contention is Cross' star Bling It On, who returned from retirement in late September with victory in the Group 3 Les Chant Free For All at Tabcorp Park Menangle.
Bling It On is a $5.50 chance for the opening leg of the 2019-20 Grand Circuit series. Showing the stable's depth, Benicio, Cruz and Cullenburn were also among nominees.
Cross and McCarthy combined for a trifecta of winners at Melton on Saturday night.
They joined forces to score with Cullenburn in the TAB Multiplier Pace (NR 80-89) and then again with Wrangler, which won the Swift Signs Pace (NR 90-105).
Other standout performances on Saturday night included driving doubles to Jason Lee (Looks Like Heaven – DNR Logistics Pace, Jilliby Babavska – Pryde's Easifeed Trot) and Chris Alford (Freddy Funk – Hero Claiming Pace, Zephiane – Alderbaran Park Vicbred Trot).
Emma Stewart trained Freddy Funk and also Rocknroll Icon to win the Schweppes Pace.
Tim O'Connor
HRV Trots Media