Mister Mundaka is bound for Ballarat on Boxing Night with the Laser Electrical Lightning Mile in his sights.
The rising star six-year-old will contest the $30,000 sprint after notching his 16th career win – and third win in his last four starts – on Saturday night in the Breckon Farms Popular Alm Free-for-All at Tabcorp Park Melton.
Mister Mundaka, driven by Kate Gath, led from gate four in the 2240-metre event and staved off a late challenge from two-time Inter Dominion grand finalist and Melton track record-holder Keayang Cullen to score by a short half-head.
Mister Mundaka paced four sub-30secs quarters on his way to a 1:55.9 mile rate, his tenacity under pressure clearly evident.
“He’s never been beaten when he’s led for us,” trainer Andy Gath said.
“Saturday night was by far his biggest test. He’s come a long way quickly.”
Mister Mundaka, a son of mighty stallion Bettors Delight out of In The Pocket mare Regret, has quickly progressed to M4 grade just five months after winning his M0.
Gath said the Lightning Mile would be the next assignment before a tilt at the Group 2 Wimmera Mail-Times Horsham Pacing Cup on January 10.
Meanwhile, Gath-trained Elegant Image ran fourth in Saturday night’s R C Freestone Trotters Cup (Group 3).
After settling last in the run, Elegant Image ran on late despite the winner – Keystone Del – covering his last half-mile in 55.5secs.
“He’s gone really good his last two starts,” Gath said.
“He’s still quite competitive and there’s a little chance we’ll be able to sneak under the radar and find a nice race for him.”
Gath’s smart four-year-old Burnaholeinmypocket is about two weeks from trialling with the Chariots of Fire at Menangle the major aim in coming months.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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