Senior hoop Peter Knuckey finally found the winning formula for the Bletchley Park 7yo Recode, with a breathtaking late surge to claim the Carlton United Brewers HCP 1000m at Belmont today.
For weeks we have seen the Adam Durrant trained gelding flood home late in its runs – literally doing everything but win its races. It was only a matter of time before the winning code was cracked, and Knuckey made the most of his opportunities today with a beautifully timed ride.
The race worked into Recodes ($12.00) favour early in proceedings, when raging favourite Hans Up ($1.90) again commenced awkwardly, and was forced to settle midfield and wide. Last start winner It’s A Merc ($13.00) again took up the lead, while Our Pu Bear ($31.00) poured on the pressure to sit outside the early leader.
The sectionals were blistering, and it was no surprise to see the front runner’s struggle swinging the bend, as the emerging challengers packed up for a final assault.
Inside the final furlong, Teen Idol ($9.00) made a dash for the line, and despite running wide throughout – looked as if it had done enough. But Recode, aided by a clear run in transit, swooped on the leader in the shadows of the post to claim an overdue short half head victory.
Hans Up again finished off well late after being blocked for a run on straightening – running into third a further length adrift.
It had been a patient 731 days “between drinks” for the long suffering Esquin Syndicate, with their consistent investment taking it’s time in notching up its sixth career victory – but there would be no doubt that today’s result was worth the wait.
Chris Blackwell