MACKENZIES Run survived a late challenge from Mineview to take out Monday's Bathurst RSL Club Heat (450 metres) at Kennerson Park.
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Thanks to a strong start Mackenzies Run ($10.80) got to the front of the field on the opening turn and was able to keep her more fancied rivals at bay.
The victory was the third in 12 starts for Mackenzies Run, trained by Orange's Steven Jones.
"She's been going alright in trials. She had a bit of a setback after her last run but trailled well here a couple of weeks ago and is starting to race alright after growing up a bit," Jones said.
"Now that she's grown up a little bit she's more reliable with her starts now. She used to miss the kick but now she's doing everything right."
Mineview ($3.20) had the inside box and looked certain to hold out all other challengers when the green light flashed.
Mackenzies Run, in box four, had other ideas and fought tooth and nail to get ahead of the inside starter.
My Boy Rylan threatened to challenge the leading duo but sharply dropped back to the tail of the field at the halfway mark.
Race favourite Drunken Jake ($2.40) was still eight lengths off Mackenzies Run at that stage and left to regret a subpar start.
Outsider Brucey Marlow ($45.60) was just two lengths away from Mineview going into the last corner but on the home straight it became apparent it was going to be a race of two.
The towering Mineview was making ground back on the diminutive Mackenzies Run but the smaller runner had too much left in the tank.
The winning margin was one length and the time was 26.05 seconds. Brucey Marlow was five lengths away in third.
Monday’s other Bathurst RSL Club Heats were taken out by Nothing Yet ($4, Richard Griffiths), Crown Gold ($36.10, Leslie Whitton) and Ocean Realm ($6.30, Caroline Psilos).
Karinya Connie ($5.10) claimed Monday’s feature race, the $4,000 Ladbrokes Monthly Medal Final (307m). Diligent Miss ($4.60) and Frenetic ($6.80) had to settle for the minor placings after Karinya Connie blasted home late.