No hesitating about the Chariots

15 February 2026 | Adam Hamilton
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BRILLIANT young pacer Hesitate booked his spot in the $250,000 Group 1 Chariots Of Fire with a breathtaking win in the 4YO Bonanza at Melton.

Trainer-driver Luke McCarthy said Hesitate was likely to go into the Chariots Of Fire at Menangle on March 7 without another run.

“I don’t think he’ll need it and he’s got his ticket in now,” he said.

McCarthy was in awe of Hesitate’s speed to come from so far back and win in a scorching 1min51.2sec mile rate for 1730m.

“At the top of the back straight the last time I thought he was in an almost impossible spot, but he’s just got so much high speed he still picked them up and won easily,” he said.

“He had a great three-year-old season, but he’s had a good break now and filled out. He’s come back even better.”

Hesitate, raced by Kingman’s owner Mick Harvey, stormed around a strong field to win running away by 1.2m. He ran his own last half in 54.9sec.

“That was Hectorjayjay-like tonight,” Harvey said. “He’s just got incredibly high speed. He’s so exciting.

“A win like that shows how well he’s come back and really vindicates me buying him.”

PHOTO: Dan Costello

 

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