Harness racing's flashy grey Adam Cartwright produced a barnstorming finish to win last night’s Country Clubs Championship Final at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Driven by Jodi Quinlan, the five-year-old by Ponder out of Lombo Regalia (a daughter of Jet Laag) bloused runner-up Emmanuel and race favourite Murranji Track to score a thrilling victory by a half-neck in a rate of 1:56.4 over 2240m.
Amazingly at the 100m though, Adam Cartwright was last.
Quinlan eased the South Australian from the Greg Norman stable to the extreme outside and when he hit top gear Adam Cartwright savaged the line, grabbing victory in the shadows of the post.
Last time out at Shepparton Adam Cartwright pulled hard and almost choked down, finishing fifth, but he settled much better last night from his second-row draw and benefited from a solid tempo up front.
“He over-raced last start … but tonight he settled much better,” Quinlan said.
“Greg was very happy with him leading in the race. He said if he settles he’ll run a really good race, and Greg’s always been a good trainer so you’ve got to respect his horses.”
WATCH ADAM CARTWRIGHT GO FROM LAST TO FIRST
Norman has trained 418 winners in a 30-year trots career, with punters sure to remember some of his stable stars such as Ti Vogliobene, Indicative, Preferential and prolific winner Rosco Robust.
Quinlan said Adam Cartwright had overcome several injuries and last night’s win as “a real credit to Greg”.
Emmanuel finished second for Matthew Craven after sprinting early to find the lead from gate four, while Sunraysia star Murranji Track finished close-up third, just ahead of Stagger Lee and Animated.
Connections said Adam Cartwright would now go to the Strathalbyn Cup, where he will clash with another recent South Australian Melton winner in Whats Emma Got.
Cody Winnell