From HarnessLink (Tony Milanese, 25 October 2026)
Star filly Ark Sea (Stay Hungry) gave a gritty performance in leading all the way in the Second Semi Final of the New South Wales Breeders Challenge for three year old fillies at Menangle on Saturday evening in a record time of 1:49.7.
Considered a certainty on the basis of her previous winning efforts Ark Sea driven by Will Rixon was expected to to the lead which she did when the gate was released. However she was taken on early by One More Reason who had a crack for the lead before sitting outside the leader. The pair ran their first quarter in 26.7 seconds and the second in 27.9 seconds as Ark Sea was given little respite in front. One More Reason continued to worry Ark Sea on straightening but the latter break got a vital break even as outsider Cocos Desire was winding up wide.
However Ark Sea showing her class proved to be a clear winner over a game One More Reason with Cocos Desire running the race of her life in third.
Ark Sea’s winning time of 1.49.7 broke the established race record of 1.49.8 set by Anntonia.
Last year Ark Sea was disqualified from the two year old final but no one would begrudge connections if she was to make amends next Saturday night in the Group 1 $150,000 Final.
