By Duane Ranger
The public knew how good Max Phactor is and so does his trainer Mike Berger, but he also knows he can get better.
The Art Major – Tact Philly (In The Pocket) colt was backed into a $1.20 favourite in the $5,000 Mico Hamilton Mobile for the maiden pacers at Cambridge Raceway last night and he didn’t let his big band of supporters down.
“He’s a nice horse but I don’t think he’s any superstar. He’s still got a wee way to go before he reaches his full potential.
“He’s going through growth spurts at the moment and once he’s filled out a bit more then I’m sure he will be an even stronger horse,” Cambridge-based Berger said.
Max Phactor started his career with a three-quarter length victory on his home track back in January in 2:43.8. On Thursday he paced the 2,200m mobile in a more sedate 2:47.5.
They have been his only wins so far, but he has placed five times in his 15 career starts last night’s win took his career earnings to just over $30,000.
Max Phactor showed good acceleration from the mobile gate and easily maintained his lead from his ace draw.
Phil Butcher then controlled all the pace with the talented 3-year-old until the lane when Art Of Gold and Josh Dickie really pushed him at the 50 metres.
However Max Phactor had more in the tank and when Butcher gave him a little reminder he came again to win by three quarters of a length.
His winning mile rate was 2:02.5 with final 800m and 400m sprints of 58.8 and 28 even.
“He’s quite handy and can go both the Cambridge and Alexandra Park ways around. We decided to line him up at Cambridge because it was an easier assignment than the city.
“He will be back at Alexandra Park this month though to contest the Sales Series 3yo races. He’s paid up and even though the opposition will be much stronger I think he can go alright up there,” Berger said.
“He’s the sort of colt who just needs time and I expect him to improve a great deal before the season finishes,” he added.
Max Phactor was bred by Breckon Bloodstock and is owned by Mrs B M Berger, J G Young, Mrs S K Young, Mrs N J Dysart, T M Climo, Global Air Conditioning, Mrs T D Cort, and D M Paterson.
Meanwhile the Jeremy Young Trained Brydon Delight notched up his 10th win in 123 starts when nailing last night’s feature event – the $8,000 Waikato Masters Plumbers Handicap for C2 and faster pacers.
Driven by Brent Mangos, the 8-year-old Bettor’s Delight gelding proved too strong for Stars And Sound (Scott Phelan) and Hudy Haxwell (Maurice McKendry).
He was the $4.30 second favourite. Favourite Major Change was fourth.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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