Music plays the Cup tune at Ararat

7 April 2013 - Jukebox Music continued a dream run in feature races for Daryl Douglas since his return from injury when he claimed the Renown Silverware Ararat Pacing Cup thanks to a canny drive.
The $11.80 chance found the spot behind the early leader, Flash Of Freedom, however looked in danger of losing his position when the outsider started to tire off the back. Douglas quickly extricated his charge off the pegs and bustled into the clear on straightening to challenge the leading group. Country Cups specialist Veranjee worked to the death seat mid-race and found the lead as they went off the back and looked the likely winner.
As they turned for home Our Blackbird pulled out wider after having the three wide cart in and loomed as a threat but could only chase Jukebox Music as he let down with an impressive sprint. Race favourite Mister Sheedy used the three wide line to advantage, sitting behind Our Blackbird in the final lap, however despite running on well for third, he never looked a major danger to the winner. Jukebox Music recorded his 20th victory in a marathon career of 127 starts. The mile rate was 2:02.6 with a last half completed in 58.4 for the stand start affair.The other feature race of the night, the Clive Reid Memorial Ararat Trotters Cup, went to Posimistic for Maree and John Caldow. - Blake Reddan