Nash Rawiller produced a trademark front-running masterclass to steer Run Harry Run to a gutsy victory in the Kia Ora Bloodlines to Headlines Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill.
The champion jockey judged the race to perfection aboard the Lindsay Park galloper, extracting two determined efforts from the gelding to fend off a late challenge from Narbold.
After leading throughout, Run Harry Run ($3 favourite) looked set to be challenged when Williamsburg ($16) drew alongside early in the straight. The favourite responded strongly to Rawiller’s urgings, finding another length to deny the fast-finishing Narbold ($6) by a half-head. Williamsburg finished a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
Rawiller expressed his confidence in the horse’s ability to find more, despite pre-race concerns about the 1500-metre trip.
“I knew I still had a kick,” Rawiller revealed.
“They (connections) were a touch worried with the 1500 that he could be a touch vulnerable. I just tried to travel in a beautiful rhythm. I wanted to go for him flat out when I wanted to, and thankfully he dug deep when he needed to.
“He came up in great order. The way the track is racing probably helped me a touch. Apart from jumping on his Melbourne leg on the corner post, he did everything spot-on.”
Lindsay Park racing manager Anthony Feroce was full of praise for Rawiller’s ride, deeming it instrumental in securing the win.
“He’s a horse that has never run a really strong 1500, and I mentioned that to him before the race. I think he kept that in mind. It was a great ride,” Feroce stated.
Prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, Run Harry Run added another metropolitan success to his record, while giving Rawiller a riding double on the Rosehill program.
The champion hoop had previously partnered Matthew Dunn-trained Wayburn to victory in the Highway Handicap (1200m).
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