Pachacuti confirmed his status as Tasmania's best harness racing pacer when he came of the back mark of 40 metres to win the $40,000 Ranvet Easter Cup over 2569 metres in Launceston on Sunday night.
Despite starting off a back mark of 40 metres the gelded son of Bettor's Delight defied a tough run facing the breeze for the last 1500 metres to win and broke the track record for a standing start along the way.
The Todd Rattray-trained gelding was forced to work hard early to tack onto the field but when his trainer-driver called on the gelding to improve he raced around the field to face the breeze outside of the leader Black Centurian.
When Rattray called on his charge for supreme effort in the home straight he powered home to defeat outsiders Isaac ($51) and Remember Joe ($101).
Pachacuti ($5.70) won seven races in succession before finishing fifth in his Easter Cup heat off 40 metres but armed with that run under his belt he delivered what Rattray described as a career-best effort.
"This is the race I've always wanted to win and to do it with such a great horse is special," Rattray said.
"I knew he was going really well and this week his trackwork was outstanding and he's taken that into the race tonight.
"I'll wait a few days to see how he pulls up but I am confident I can take this horse away and win interstate."
Pachacuti has won 32 of his 69 starts with 19 minor placings for over $300,000 in stakes.
Isaac had a hard luck story as he was held up at a crucial stage over the final 300 metres and when he saw daylight half-way up the home straight he flashed home to be beaten two metres.
Remember Joe ran the race of his life to grab third ahead of the race leader Black Centurian.
Peter Staples