Readers of Harness Racing Victoria’s news page, thetrots.com.au, will be feeling pretty happy with themselves right now.
Earlier this week, while previewing tonight’s meeting at Melton, we warned readers not to overlook Bulletproof Boy in his ‘pet race’, the Smoken Up Sprint, noting that dismissing the veteran would be at their peril.
Well, just moments ago, Bulletproof Boy won the Listed Classic for an incredible fourth time.
Last season, as a 10-year-old, the Scott Ewen-trained gelding beat arguably the greatest pacer ever produced in the southern hemisphere, Leap To Fame, at the mouth-watering odds of $71.
As the $3 second elect in 2023, Bulletproof Boy upstaged odds-on favourite Catch A Wave.
In 2021, the son of Art Official scored from the fourth line of betting when the feature was held at Bendigo.
“It is a race he seems to love,” Ewen said a few days ago. “Just like last year, he is going to need a lot of luck and just as much magic from James (Herbertson, driver).
“If he gets those, then who knows, he may pull off another miracle.”
Thanks to another Herbertson gem, the miracle was delivered as Bulletproof Boy scored at $8.50 in 1:50.7 over 1720 metres.
Pushed through from his second-row draw, the son of Art Official gained the perfect one-one trail as $1.55 favourite Fighter Command worked to the lead and Sir Jimmy occupied the ‘death seat’.
Unleashing his customary sprint, Bulletproof Boy dashed to the front at the top of the home straight before staving off a late finish from Our Sunset Delight, with Fighter Command battling on for third.
“He really does love this race,” Ewen said. “Don’t ask me why, but it’s a race he seems to thrive in.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with him. Now we’ll have another crack at the Victoria Cup next week and hope for a lot more luck than we’ve had in the past.”
