Persistence has paid off and Lucky Eight is living up to his name for breeder-owner Charlie Okmasich.
Trainer-driver Scott Ewen said Charlie had been a long-time stable supporter and loved the breeding side of harness racing.
“He loves trying to breed winners,” Ewen said. “He had the mare My Sister Act, which had been a good performer but really hadn’t achieve as a broodmare.
“When this bloke was foaled, I think in despair, Charlie said he would be Lucky Eight, as she was the mare’s eighth foal.”
On Friday night, Lucky Eight took off the PDF Food Services Pace final over 1800 metres, and there was even luck involved in the win.
A $10.80 chance, Lucky Eight scored a two and a half metre win from Caroline Bay ($44) with Ricks Shadow ($2.80 fav) a metre away third.
Two lots of interference early in the race saw Lucky Eight settle third from gate eight with the well fancied Always A Virgin ($3) in front.
Ewen took him to outside the leader with a lap to go and when the pressure was applied coming off the back, Always A Virgin stopped quickly, eventually finishing tailed off last with an apparent throat problem.’
Lucky Eight dashed away and held on to score nicely.
“He is an improving horse,” Ewen said. “Tonight luck went his way while in his recent few it hasn’t
“It was a great result for Charlie, and hopefully the run can continue.”
Third placed Rick’s Shadow ran very well.
The mare looked like settling in a forward spot but was inconvenienced when Major Rainbow galloped losing valuable round. She ran on well to take third.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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