Evergreen pacer on target for massive payday

EVERGREEN performer Bulletproof Boy took a massive step towards his biggest payday last night.

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Bulletproof Boy captured the Bendigo Cup, which was transferred to Melton after the state government declared Bendigo a disaster zone.

Not only did the Scott Ewen-trained gelding successfully defend his Cup title, he became the first pacer eligible for Harness Racing Victoria's mouth-watering $1million bonus.

In what can only be described as a phenomenal promotion, HRV will pay $1million to any pacer which wins four specified Cups. There is also a $500,000 to any trotter which wins four legs .

One of those victories has to be in the Hunter Cup for pacers and the Great Southern Star for trotters.

There are six stages in the bonus series, with Bendigo the opening leg.

Naturally thrilled with the 11-year-old's triumph, Ewen was lost for words to describe his aged marvel.

"It's just, um...you can't describe it," Ewen said. "He was a nice handy horse as a four, five or even six-year-old, but as he's gotten older, he's turned into a champ.

"Last year as a 10-year-old was his highest earning season and now he's began his time as an 11-year-old the same way, winning the Bendigo Cup.

"He just loves racing and obviously doesn't know how old he is."

With James Herbertson in the cart, Bulletproof Boy was settled two-back in the running line from his second row draw as Hi Manameisjeff led and Catch A Wave occupied the 'death seat'.

Brilliantly angled back to the pegs around the home turn, the son of Art Official finished strongly along the sprint lane to score by a metre-and-a-half from Petracca, which trailed the pacemaker from the pole.

After enjoying the one-one trip, Kingman was two metres away third

"What a drive from Herbie," Ewen said. "It was masterclass.

"Him teaming up with the old horse has made a huge difference during the past 14 or so months...you only need to look at his record to see that."

Although Shepparton is scheduled to host the following leg of the bonus circuit next weekend, Ewen plans to bypass the feature in preference for Ballarat in a fortnight.

"I don't think we will go to Shepparton," Ewen said. "We waited two weeks for the Ballarat Cup last year and I reckon that's what we will do this time."