Leading reinsman Luke McCarthy tipped more feature wins are in store for All Eyes On Us after the son of Art Major’s all-the-way win in the Group Two Lands Legal Carousel Final at the harness racing meeting at Tabcorp Park Menangle today.
After sustaining pressure from equal favourite Bettor Downunder for much of the 2400-metre journey, All Eyes On Us strode away along the straight to score a three-metre win over the fast-finishing Barimah, with Stormont Czar third, rating 1:55.6.
Trained by Luke wife’s Belinda, the four-year-old missed the majority of his three-year-old season due to an operation to remove bone fragment in his hind ankle.
“In the long run that could be the best thing to have happened to him,” Luke said. “This win will also be a great tonic for part-owner Emilio Rosati, who has been having some back and foot problems.
“All Eyes On Us’ other part-owner Tony Pace has also been a great supporter of harness racing for many years and I’m sure this horse could have some more good wins in store for him.”
Spearing to the front from gate three, All Eyes On Us was given little rest as Michael Stanley sent Bettor Downunder forward, turning the race into a stern staying test.
Turning for home Bettor Downunder began to feel the pressure of his hard run, enabling All Eyes On Us to kick clear before staving off a late charge from Victorian visitor Barimah, which came from near the tail of the field with a flashing finish.
All Eyes On Us provided the McCarthy stable with consecutive Carousel wins, having scored with Beetson, which was handled by James Rattray, last season.
Michael Court – Courtesy of National Trotguide