27 September 2017 | Duncan Dornauf
It was a very wet night at Launceston on Sunday evening with a large amount of rain hitting the track prior and during the race meeting.
Given the heavy conditions, there will be plenty of horses forgiven for poor performances across the nine-event program.
The eyes of racing fans across Australia were on Destreos when he stepped out for the first time in the state. The winner of 97 races was not disgraced when finishing second to the Ben Yole trained Another Swinger, given his 30-metre handicap, the heavy conditions and being first up with no trial. Destreos will now likely head to the Show Cup in Launceston on October 8.
This week the action turns south to Hobart where the Roberts Bridgewater Sprint Lane will be in operation for the first time. The sprint lane was used successfully during Monday night’s trials and will be trialled for a 12-month period.
The Stars
Ben Yole – trained four winners in Launceston on Sunday with; Postal Express $25.50, Hear The Call $2.60, Ultimate Courage $18.70 and Another Swinger $8.40.
David Hayes – caused a major upset when his six-year-old Bettors Delight mare, Mersey Delight scored at odds of $78.10 for driver Paul Ashwood.
Bianca Heenan – prepared Cromac Jamie for his second win in seven days after being well placed in a C3 and better stand.
Paul Williams – took four runners to Launceston on Sunday and was rewarded with a win in the final race with Eternal Shadow who won in the last stride.
Black Booker
Metro Digby
It was a tough night to pick a black booker given the weather conditions on the night resulting in a number of races being run in slow time. A few runners early in the night caught the eye finishing well late including Metro Digby in race two. From barrier 13 his trainer-driver Paul Williams settled the Metropolitan gelding one-out and five back. Metro Digby was out six wide turning for home and stormed home to finish 1.5 metres from the winner. Watch the race replay here.
Calculated Sectional Standouts
Quickest last halves (800m) from last week’s action in Launceston on Sunday.
Cardinal Ringo 58.81, Sheer Strength 58.99, Lockaway Kacie 59.01, Metro Digby 59.3, Taurisi 59.50.
View all Tasmanian sectional data here.
Week Ahead
Last season’s leading junior driver Jack Laugher will return back to the state this Sunday where he has been booked for a number of drivers that have strong winning chances. He will partner the Rohan Hillier trained All My Savings in race two, the Four Starzzz Shark mare has not missed a place in her four starts since arriving the state. The talented junior has also been booked to drive Ultimate Courage and Tuxedo Max.
Laugher has a busy week with drives at Melton on Thursday night, Shepparton Friday night and has been nominated for drives back in Victoria early next week. The busy driver intends to fly back and drive next week in Launceston.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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