Rack'em Up looks to go back-to-back at Manawatu today

By Jordyn Bublitz

Rack’em Up will look to make it two on the bounce when he lines up again today at Manawatu Raceway.

The four-year-old son of Betting Line is trained and co-owned by Canterbury horseman Andrew Drake alongside partner Brianna Thomas, and he comes into the assignment off a determined victory earlier in the week.

Despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 11 on day one, Rack’em Up proved too tough when driven by Andre Poutama. Forced to work early, Poutama pressed forward around runners to find the lead and once in front the gelding refused to yield, sticking on strongly to score by half a length. The win was the gelding’s third from 13 career starts.

Drake admitted the result exceeded expectations.

“We didn’t think that he’d win so many, you always hope that they will, but he’s come a long way for a big lanky giraffe, and he’s done a good job. We can’t complain.”

Sending the gelding north proved a practical decision, with Drake believing the longer trips and opportunities available could suit.

“It was so hard for him in the ratings down here, and I thought he might like the 2500m trip. When I rang Stephen (Doody) and he said he was happy to take care of him, and Andre was happy to drive, it was a no brainer to send him up!”

Drake admitted he wasn’t sure the gelding would be able to overcome the unfavourable draw.

“I didn’t expect him to win from the draw, but Andre took it in his own hands and it was a great drive.”

The victory also carried extra meaning for Drake, who hails from Palmerston North and knows the circuit well.

“Any win on that track is really special, that’s for sure.”

Rack’em Up backs up today in the Good Luck Dave Rennie Mobile Pace (6.31pm), this time with a much kinder draw in barrier six and with Peter Ferguson taking the reins.

Drake is hopeful the big gelding will cope well with the quick turnaround.

“He should handle the back-up good, he handled it well when we took him to Nelson.”

“The front row draw helps, but you never know, it’s not a bad field. Four of them in there won last start and they’re all going to be feeling big and brave.”

“We’ll just have to see what he can do, and see what Fergie can do!”