MACH DAN wins the Geelong Pacing Cup, and a Golden Ticket into the Inter Dominion Heats.

A former Geelong Track Record holder, Mach Dan won the 2570 metre race by 3.8 metres. MR 1:57.5 Trainer Emma Stewart and Driver Mark Pitt.

Mach Dan (Mach Three) made harness racing owner Danny Zavitsanos’ dream of a Geelong Pacing Cup success come true with a dominant display in Saturday night’s (Oct. 21) $60,000 feature at Beckley Park.

Zavitsanos, from Geelong, was on track to witness the Emma Stewart-trained pacer survive a mid-race attack and lead all the way from barrier one in the Group 2 event. Jack Laugher on Torrid Saint had a crack for the front down the back straight the first time, and while Mach Dan had to kick up to hold his place in control, he still had more than enough in the tank when the sprint went on late in the race.
He broke clear approaching the turn and never looked like being run down despite the best efforts of Max Delight (David Aiken/Chris Alford), who flashed home hard to grab second ahead of Interest Free (Julie Douglas/Daryl Douglas). Driver Mark Pitt said Mach Dan was among the best horses he’d driven throughout his career in the sulky.
“He sits up pretty high,” Pitt said.
“I really like this little horse. I’ve only driven him a few times – I’ve actually driven him twice in the Vic Cup and this is the third time tonight.
“I think he’s the perfect little racehorse. Anyone would like to have this horse. He relaxes in whatever he does.”

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