$250,000 bonus in the bag

MAKING it look easy in the end, Captains Knock has secured the first stage of Harness Racing New South Wales' lucrative bonus.

By capturing the Gold Rush Cup in Bathurst just moments ago, Captains Knock registered his third win in the five-race Country Of Cups circuit, which earned connections a $250,000 bonus on top of the $32,700 stake!

Winning the opening leg in Wagga on November 14, the Brad Hewitt-trained son of Captaintreacherous then annexed the Steel City Cup in Newcastle on December 5.

In what can only be described as a phenomenal promotion, the governing body has promised a mouth-watering $1million bonus to the connections of any pacer which completes a clean sweep of the Carnival of Cups series.

There is also a $500,000 bonus for any pacer which wins four and a $250,000 bonus for three wins.

Last year Swayzee secured $500,000 for connections by winning four of the five features during 'Season 2' of the Carnival of Cups.

Albury is scheduled to host the next stage of the bonus trail on February 13, with Hewitt's focus firmly on the bordertown meeting.

It was last season's Murray Cup in Albury which proved Swayzee's stumbling block when runner-up behind Captain Hammerhead.

"As long as he pulls up well, and I can't see why he shouldn't, we'll be off to Albury in a couple of weeks," Hewitt said. "It is always tough around little tracks like Albury, but it is well worth the risk and effort."

Driven by Hewitt during his latest triumph, Captains Knock worked to the lead from barrier five before completing a seven-metre win from Max Delight, which was brave after racing in the 'death seat'.

Kanena Provlima, which led before being eased to take a trail, was 12 metres away third.

"He wasn't quite himself when beaten at his last start, and it turned out he was a little bit crook, but he came good and I have been extremely happy with his work," Hewitt said. "They've run a pretty solidly run last mile tonight, but I felt I had them covered.

"It's getting harder not to think 'what if' when it comes to the $1million, but to be honest, I'm relieved to get this one out of the way as he has still picked up some good money.

"That said, we'll be off to Albury and then Penrith for the last leg five or so weeks later."