Junee horseman Bruce Harpley claimed a hat-trick of Coolamon Pacers Cup victories courtesy of Stening’s win on Thursday.
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Rained delayed the traditional Anzac Day meeting, but it didn’t hurt Stening who stormed home late to claim a thrilling win.
The judge took a long time to declare the winner, but Stening ($6) nailed Northern Velocity ($3.90) right on the line to take out the $10,000 feature.
Coming off the pace isn’t usually Stening’s style, but Harpley was impressed with his efforts.
“He was good, there was a bit of speed early and while he didn’t quite get carted up as far as I would have liked he did a good job to sprint from the 350 as wide as he did to still win,” Harpley said.
“They’ve run home pretty quick and he’s a good horse on his day but he picks his days.”
Coming from near the rear of the field, Stening was four wide around the turn for home with the last quarter paced in 28.9 seconds.
Stening hasn’t raced since coming fifth in the Cootamundra Cup over a month ago.
Harpley found a couple of excuses for the effort, but has been impressed with his lead up work into the Coolamon feature.
“He wasn’t right at Coota last start and he’s had a cold since then as well,” he said,
“He hasn’t trialled or anything since the 19th of March but he has worked really well at home.
“He and (Sokys Bigbullet) work together and they’ve been working really strong.”
It backs up wins by Sokys Bigbullet's win in the cup over the last two seasons.
The pair may not be in Harpley’s stable for too much longer.
With Stening now a C6 after the Coolamon win and Sokys Bigbullet a C9, the Junee trainer-driver is looking for the two to head to the city for better opportunities.
Sokys Bigbullet will race at Menangle for Harpley on Saturday night, but is expected to do most of his racing in Sydney from now on.
Stening finished just over one metre ahead of Northern Velocity.
The mare attempted an all-the-way, but training and driving combination Jake Stockton and Blake Jones didn’t go home empty handed.
They took out the last of the bumper 11-race card with Jessica Amber.
The mare made it three wins in her last four starts as she led all the way.
Despite another massive race day, Reece Maguire was the only multiple winner.
The Leeton reisnman combined with Josh Powderly to win with Thanku Thanku before driving new stable addition Quick Reflection for his father Phil.