What a 24 hours for Pinseeker

[Wandering Eyes]

By Adam Hamilton 

The fascinating juggle for slots and runners in the $1m Race by betcha at Cambridge on Friday, April 4 has taken another twist.

Moments after the connections of emerging Kiwi star Tact McLeod last night announced a change of plans and they would bypass the race, negotiations for a replacement sparked into action.

In the late hours of last night, a deal was done where the slot owned by Victoria’s Matthews Family (owners of Catch A Wave) would be sold to Michael Brennan Racing.

The Matthews Family originally bought the slot to run their eight-time Group winner Catch A Wave in, but changed heart last week and instead opted to set him for the $1.25mil Nullarbor in Perth on April 25.

The deal was done for Tact McLeod to take his place.

But last night’s twists opened the door for emerging South Island pacer Pinseeker to land a slot.

Michael Brennan Racing, driven by Josh Davine, quickly confirmed the Jonny Cox-trained Pinseeker would run in the slot after his sparkling Addington free-for-all win last night.

Pinseeker won by three-and-a-half lengths in a 1min55.5sec mile rate for 1980m, capped by closing splits of 54.8 and 27.6sec.

The five-year-old son of Downbytheseaside has raced just 20 times for six wins and nine placings.

“He was super impressive last night and it’s great for Jonny (Cox) and Kimberley (Butt) to get a crack at a race like this,” Davine said.

Andy Gath, speaking on behalf of the Matthews clan, said: “It’s all turned out really well. Josh (Davine) was really proactive.”

This shapes as by far the strongest Race by betcha yet with Aussie stars Leap To Fame and Don Hugo leading the way.

Top Kiwi hopes include: Merlin, Don’t Stop Dreaming, Republican Party and awesome young mare Duchess Megxit.

The Race by betcha, along with the $600,000 TAB Trot, will be run at Cambridge on April 4.

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