Mineshaft Handicap – Grade III
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $150.00 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Dogs Noah, trained by Maxmillion Farm
As i mentioned in the preview for this race Dogs Noah had taken rather nicely to the dirt after much of his career being contested on the grass. This was his third win from four starts on dirt so i guess we can firmly say this is his preferred surface. Stalking the lead he picked up nicely down the stretch and kept on strongly for a three quarter length win. I doubt this is a future classic horse but there will be a couple of more good wins in the future for him i am sure.

2nd Copper Opus, trained by Big Guns Stable
The wide gate speed push sent him to the front but as expected he didnt stay there eventually being passed but keeping on well enough for second. This was a fair effort from a tough draw but there is a little voice in my head saying ‘try the turf again’.

3rd Well Proven, trained by Mb Stables
Kept on well enough into third but the track was playing to the pace and he just couldnt quicken fast enough.

4th Ocean Cookie, trained by Aml Racing
Top weight and the fact he tried to close on a pace bias track gave him no real chance. He will be back for bigger races than this.

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