Triple Eight overrun by wildfire

By Michael Howard (HRV)

Queen Elida wasn’t the only horse to strike a stunning blow at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night with Like A Wildfire upending the pacing landscape.

Triple Eight had seen to be firmly ensconced in the upper echelon of Grand Circuit ranks and enjoying a smooth campaign ahead of a likely Queensland tilt, but Emma Stewart’s returning pacer rattled all perceptions in the TAB Italian Cup.

A $1.25 favourite, Triple Eight had had it all to suit early for Greg Sugars, who strolled to the top and controlled the lead time (47.4) and first (31.2) and second (30.2) quarters.

But while he was able to get home in a respectable 54.65-second last half Triple Eight was blown away by Like A Wildfire, who sat outside his rival and blazed to a 7.4-metre win in Mark Pitt’s hands.

“To do what he did tonight off a little let up from his Tassie campaign, it’s just a really big effort from the team,” Pitt said.

The race was Like A Wildfire’s first since his second in Launceston’s Easter Cup on April 16, but he showed no signs of ‘needing a run’.

“To run home in 53.9 on a track like that tonight, it’s just a huge win,” Pitt said. “I still think there’s a bit more improvement in this horse yet.

“I’m sure they will be (looking at) the free-for-alls and some of the bigger races coming up would be the main aim for him, maybe even the Inter Dominion. If I could take the reins of any horse in the Inter Dominion it’s a dream come true. Hopefully I keep progressing and can get a drive in it.”

The win was one of two on the night for Stewart and Pitt, who also paired with Von Art to claim the Garrards Horse & Hound Pace, a fifth straight win for her big syndicate of owners.

The Inter Dominion may also be in the frame for some of tonight’s other winners.

Spring In His Step was dominant in The Big Screen Company Pace for trainer Russell Jack and reinsman Nathan Jack, leading and bristling home in 55.9 seconds to win by 6.5 metres.

And Ross Graham’s trotter Nephew Of Sonoko showed he may also be worthing of a top flight campaign with a dominant display in the Aldebaran Park Trot, with James Herbertson controlling the race from in front and winning handsomely.

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