Danny’s dream comes true

By Tim O’Connor (HRV)

Mach Dan made owner Danny Zavitsanos’ dream of a Geelong Pacing Cup success come true with a dominant display in last Saturday night’s 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.”

Mach Dan’s Geelong Pacing Cup triumph sits nicely next to his Horsham and Mildura country features from last year and secures him a golden ticket into the Inter Dominion Pacing Championship heats in November and December.

Saturday night’s win came at just the five-year-old’s second start this preparation, and after returning from a stint racing in New Zealand through April and May.

Pitt and Stewart combined for four winners on Saturday night’s card, with Wheres The Gold, Polly Put Kettleon and Coco Mia also prevailing.