Hakkai Maru has overcome a slow getaway and a late challenge from the odds-on favourite, to score her fourth career win from only her eighth start, at Doomben today.
Lining up in the final race on the card, the BM 70 (1200m), Hakkai Maru wasn’t the best to begin when the gates opened, but urged along by Jockey Jim Byrne to find a forward position, the 4yo mare was up in third spot, although caught a little deep, as the field raced through the first furlong.
Passing the 800m pole, with the second horse hunted along to challenge for the lead, Hakkai Maru was able to slot in behind and momentarily enjoy a nice trial, with odds-on favourite Zavaboom, three quarters of length behind in fourth spot,
As the field raced to the home turn, Byrne eased Hakkai Maru to the outside of the leader pair, ensuring the favourite was kept but the trio, but when the run opened between runners for the favourite shortly after, it was clear the pair were going to settle down to fight it out over the final 200m.
Hakkai Maru relished the challenge and found plenty under the riding of Byrne.
The daughter of Maurice pulled away in the final stages to record a comfortable win on the line.
Congratulations to Jae, Adam, Mark and Scarlett.