Greg Sugars made the trek to the Mildura harness racing meeting last night and went home with a winning double, including victory aboard one of Emma Stewart’s many talented two-year-olds, Apache Shark.
The son of Four Starzzz Shark out of Mustbeheaven took out the first heat of the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series for 2YO colts and geldings by 3m over last-start APG Consolation winner Soho Lexington.
Apache Shark ran to the lead early after initial frontrunner Fortitudo relented for the soft trip behind the $1.40 favourite.
From there it developed into a procession for the tote elect, whose lead time was a leisurely stroll – 46 seconds – and opening half of the last mile a jog, 65.9secs.
The field raced in single file until the 1200m when Michael Stanley made his move aboard Soho Lexington, which had gone back to last from the wide barrier six in the six-horse field.
Soho Lexington improved to second place and staked his claim for victory from the 400m.
But Apache Shark had too much left in the tank and was able to sprint home in 58.9secs to win his second race from three career starts and, in doing so last night secure a spot in the 2YO Super Series semi-final.
Soho Lexington battled on well for second, while Glacier Heights – a stablemate of the winner – hit the line hard on debut to snatch third with Jaimie-Lee King in the cart from a tiring Fortitudo.
The winner’s mile rate was 2:05.5.
CODY WINNELL