FORMER Sebastian-based reinsman Leigh Sutton and Like A Wildfire landed a major upset by combining to win the 2021 Group 3 Charlton Pacing Cup on Sunday.
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The longest-priced of three Emma Stewart-trained runners in the 12-horse field, Like A Wildfire ($30.30) was driven patiently throughout by Sutton, who hooked the six-year-old gelding to the outside at the top of the straight and was able to mow down his rivals close to the line to record a stirring victory.
A distance of four-metres covered the first runners in the field, with Like A Wildfire's stablemates Fourbigmen ($4.20) and Somewhere Secret ($8.80) making it an all-Stewart stable trifecta.
Im Anothermasterpiece, who was looking to add to his Boort Pacing Cup triumph from last month and attempted to lead all the way, held on for fourth with Majestic Cruiser close by in fifth.
A win for Sutton was his biggest since his return to Victoria from New South Wales four months ago.
"It was a bit of a surprise, but I think it surprised everybody," he said.
"When you get on one of Emma and Clayton's you have to be a little confident as they're the best trainers in this state, if not the country.
"I gave it a little hope and when I spoke to Clayton on the phone he didn't dismiss it that it could win, so that's always a good start."
The 35-year-old was obvious in his delight, saluting the crowd as he crossed the finish line.
"You just a need a good kick sometimes. It's not quiet quiet, but I've been chipping away slowly since coming back from Sydney," said Sutton, who is basing himself in Shepparton and working for trainer Russell Jack.
"Hopefully, this creates a few more opportunities."
Sunday's win was Sutton's second in a country cup this season after his victory in the Albury Pacers Cup in late-February aboard the Amanda Turnbull-trained Sonny Weaver.
Earlier that month, he recorded a sentimental win for his father Ray with One Crowded Hour at Shepparton.
Sutton was uncertain of the plan going forward with Like A Wildfire, who was formerly trained and driven by the late Gavin Lang before his move to the Stewart stable, but hoped he might earn another opportunity aboard the son of Big Jim.
"I'm far from the number one driver there, but you never know," he said.
Like A Wildfire boosted his career record to 14 wins and 12 placings from 38 starts for prize money of $118,739.
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