Twelve months after taking out the George Croxford Tribute Final at Wangaratta, four-year-old gelding Wingara has continued his affinity with the venue – this time winning the North East Fasteners Wangaratta Pacing Cup.
Trainer Peter Romero’s hotshot by Empire Stallions’ Dawn Ofa New Day (out of Million To One mare Bobydeane) led from barrier four on Sunday and was never overtaken to defeat Hall Of Famer by a head in a 1:59.3 mile rate over 2210m on the half-mile circuit.
Nathan Jack drove Wingara, who is now on a three-rce winning streak with victories in the Albury Cup, Nixon’s Cup at Wagga and the Wangaratta feature.
The win improved Wingara’s record to 11 wins from 16 starts for prizemoney of $96,975
Wingara raced clear of a death-seating Hall Of Famer at the 400m, while the second-favourite, Almost El Eagle, made his move three-wide from the back but was 20m off the lead.
Despite the urgings of Rodney Petroff when $1.30 favourite Wingara snuck away off the back, Hall Of Famer fought on bravely in the breeze and in the stretch very nearly caused a boilover only to fall narrowly short.
Almost El Eagle made ground to finish third beaten 6.7m, with Wes Lewinksy fourth ahead of Itcan Happen and Arber.
Cody Winnell