Thrilling win by a head

By John Dunne (HRV)

OUTSTANDING racemare Encipher vindicated her selection in the world’s richest harness racing The TAB Eureka, when she downed a stunning line up in the Westburn Grant Free For All at Tabcorp Park Melton, last Saturday night.

The race boasted no less than eight individual Group 1 winners.

Kate Gath gave Encipher ($16) a perfect drive settling one out one back before pulling out three wide on the point of the home turn and the daughter of Captaintreacherous got the verdict by a head in a thrilling three-way finish.

A margin of a head separated the winner and the placegetters Rock N Roll Doo and Hurricane Harley in a slick 53.8 last 800 metres.

“I just love this horse and I’m not surprised she’s done that tonight,” Gath said after the race.

“She’s just a quality horse and those horses were coming at her on the line, but she just knows how to win,” she said.

Gath believes Encipher is worthy of a berth in The TAB Eureka.

“I’ve thought that for a few weeks and have been surprised that no slot holder had picked her up for The Eureka and she thoroughly deserves her place in it and I’m rapt for the owners and Emma (Stewart) and Clayton (Tonkin),” she said.

“She may not look as impressive as she can probably go but she will follow any speed and they can go as quick as they like but she will have no trouble following it and reeling off a quick last quarter.”

Ironically Gath, who has driven Encipher throughout her career, won’t be holding the reins in The TAB Eureka as she will partner Catch A Wave who is trained by her husband Andy.

Trainer Michael Stanley would have been delighted with the return to the racetrack of reigning Victoria Cup champion Rock N Roll Doo who finished powerfully from the rear of the field in breaking the clock for his last 800 metres of the race.