While They Pray in classic win

Michael George’s four-year-old While They Pray lived up to his pre-race billing and claimed Saturday’s $25,000 Manea Classic 4YO and 5YO Pace (2100m) at Donaldson Park.

The gelding, who rated 1:56.4, defeated Bletchley Park by 3m after starting strongly from barrier two in a frenetic opening.

After driver Gary Hall Jun. put him into the lead during the early stages, spectators looked on in awe as Kiwi pacer Dontstopbelievin made an ambitious tilt for the race lead after driver Kyle Harper sent him five wide on a tight corner metres from the winning post.

Content to maintain a preferable inside path, Hall Jun. stayed calm, as others behind him lobbied ferociously to put While They Pray under pressure.

Hall Jun. maintained his composure as the field got the bell and while second-placed Soho Thunderstruck looked to be coping with the pace, the question on whether he could maintain it until the end refused to dissipate.

With 400m to go, the veteran reinsman let While They Pray express himself, which opened up some valuable breathing space.

Although Bletchley Park (driven by Michael Grantham) and James Butt (Chris Voak) were able to show plenty of closing speed in the home straight, they never seriously looked like dethroning the four-year-old.

Earlier in the evening, Dennis Morton’s rising star Tahi made it back to back Bunbury wins after saluting half a head in the Bucking Bull Champions 3YO Pace (2100m).

Aside from upsetting short priced favourite Blockjorg, the gelding managed to show plenty of resilience after being put under considerable pressure during the bell lap. Aiden De Campo’s rookie Follow The Dragon was among one of the frontrunners early, however it quickly turned moments later, after Michael Grantham pushed the button on Tahi and sent him forward down the back straight.

With less than 600m to go, the race became a duel between Blockjorg and Tahi — and it momentarily appeared as though Morgan Woodley had the upper hand over Grantham, as Colin Reeves’ stayer sprinted clear by 3m heading into the dying stages.

However on the final turn, fatigue appeared to set in for the race leader and Grantham was able to harness Tahi’s second wind of speed.