07 July 2022 | Mark Yole for Tasracing
Leading trainer/driver Mark Yole provides a behind the scenes look at the weekend of harness racing with Launceston having a 10-race card on Sunday night.
Weekend best
Terrific run from this bloke last week when he did all the work outside the leader with a blistering first quarter. He surged to the front halfway up the straight but was pipped late by a fast finisher. From the great draw he should be able to hold the front and only has to repeat that effort to be winning this.
Under the Radar:
I think this bloke has really flown under the radar as his last three races have been in stand starts which he hasn’t handled well at all. Before those runs, he was just behind the placegetters around the likes of Colby Sanz, Arden Roanoke and Tarleton Riley. If Nathan can get a nice trail into the race, he should be right in the finish.
Wish I was in the sulky:
Huge drop in class for this horse. He hasn’t enjoyed a lot of luck from some awkward draws lately. He comes up with a front row draw here and if he can lead, he should be able to dictate the terms and with his main danger drawn on the back row it will have to do some work to get into the race. That could make it vulnerable first-up from a spell.
Black booker
I have been a fan of this horse since I drove him at his first race in the state when he came from last to run second beaten a head. Since then, he has had no luck whatsoever from horror draws. He really caught my eye last week when finishing off well for second. From the pole draw he has options as I think he has the gate speed to lead but if he cops pressure, he can take the sit and if getting a gap he will be right in the finish. I can see him getting back into the winner’s circle very soon.
Inside Word
A couple of inside words this week regarding drivers. Young Liam Older unfortunately injured his shoulder last week and will be out of action for some time. Liam was really starting to gain some momentum with great results and some lucrative drives coming his way. I’m sure we will see him back in the winner’s circle when he returns. I know there is a lot of people keen to see his career progress.
The other news that has been reported is that Corey Bell will be resuming his driving career and joining the stables of Ben Yole. Corey had a lot of success some years ago when he was based in country NSW as Shaun Snudden’s stable driver. I believe he was able to top the century of wins in one of those seasons.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
