Dale grabs 5th Highway victory at Rosehill

Matthew Dale has squared the Highway ledger with Terry Robinson at five-all after Thelittleracketeer scored at Rosehill.

The trainers lead the way in the series after Thelittleracketeer won Saturday’s Highway Handicap (1100m), which marked the 50th edition of the race.

Sent out the $4.60 equal favourite, Thelittleracketeer settled in the midfield with cover before a run emerged at the 200m mark.

Under jockey Tommy Berry, the mare kicked clear to finish 1-1/4 lengths ahead of Hesco Gold ($51), which put the same margin on minor placegetter Oakfield Time ($4.60).

“The horse was beautifully placed today by Matty,” Berry said.

“He really knows how to set one for these Highway races.”

The lightly raced five-year-old mare, who was formerly trained by Peter Moody, took her winning record to four from nine starts.

“She was fresh and put them away really quickly when we got the run,” Berry said.

“I think the best horse won today and a bit of patience paid off.”

Murwillumbah trainer Matthew Dunn has dominated the race in recent months by winning four Highways, with Hanwritten kicking off his run on September 17.

Dale had not tasted victory in the series since January, when Hermosa Beach joined Shadow Affair, Bitburg and Royal Jackpot as winners out of his Canberra stable.

Robinson has scored two wins apiece with King’s Officer and Rose Of Man, and Grand Rouge gave him a fifth victory on September 3.