24 January 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL DUMESNY
WILL Rixon has won a Group 1 Regional Championship at Wagga and driven a second placegetter in a Bathurst Gold Crown.
On Friday night at Tamworth, Rixon recorded added important win to his resume when he combined with Menangle trainer Jarrod Alchin to take out the $40,000 Group 3 Multiquip Golden Guitar, aboard Aqua Sancta.
Alchin went into the Tamworth feature with three leading chances and was able to quinella the race with the Tumby Park-owned pair of Aqua Sancta ($5) and the $2 favourite Delightful Dude.
And it was a 10 out of 10 drive from Rixon that won the race as he showed patience and poise to get the second elect home.
Coming to the bell lap, Rixon was able to flush out Robbie Morris, who was on the well-backed runner Boyzhavtime and he secured a beautiful trip on the three-wide train to be dragged into the race.
And it was evident with 400m to run that Aqua Sancta was the one to beat as he swept past the leading division in a stride and opened up a winning break.
Delightful Dude made a spirited attempt to wear down Aqua Sancta, but it was all in vain as the bird had flown.
Local pacer Overthemoon led the field a merry dance and was brave in holding on for third at the bolter’s odds of 80-1.
“Things couldn’t have worked out better for us in the run, we had a beautiful track into the race on Robbie’s back, ahead of what I thought was the main danger in Delightful Dude and I really think it was the difference between winning and losing,” said Rixon.
“I cannot thank Jarrod [Alchin] and the Tumby Park team enough for showing the faith in giving me the drive on Aqua Sancta.
“I know how much it really meant to them winning this race, it is race that just keeps getting stronger and stronger each year.”
Rixon has five drives at Bankstown this afternoon and believes they all have each-way chances.
“It is a really even meeting today at Bankstown,” he said.
“I couldn’t go out on a limb and name a standout from the horses I’m driving, but I expect Whatta Conk in Race 2 and Art Of Grange in the last are my best chances of winning.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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