FIFTY metres out from the finish line in the Honouree Stakes Final on Wednesday night at the Bathurst Paceway, driver John O’Shea had a broad smile plastered across his face.
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It was at that point he knew victory aboard A Life Under Fire ($3.70) was his in the 2,260 metres decider.
Staged each year as part of the Bathurst Harness Racing Club’s Gold Crown Carnival, the Honouree Stakes series has been dominated by local drivers in recent years.
O’Shea’s victory with the Lester Hewitt, Dunkeld trained four-year-old extended that streak to eight in a row, Dale Spencer the last visiting reinsman to find success in 2009.
In the Honouree Stakes Consolation (2,260m) staged earlier in the evening, it was Jake Davis on $8.90 chance Rays Choice who took the spoils.
From a barrier eight draw, Davis opted to sit back in the running line with his Four Starzzz Shark x The Coldstream gelding.
He made his move through the final bend, guiding Rays Choice four and five wide in pursuit of a clear run.
With 400m to go he had caught the leaders and 200m later he had pulled clear and went on to win by 9½m over Casino Grin ($5.70).
In posting his eighth career win, Rays Choice rated 1:59.0.
“He goes better with a sit, I didn’t have to use him out of the gate this week either,” Jake Davis.
“I sat back and waited and then he rounded them all up.”
