16 August 2022 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
North-East trainer Kent Rattray claimed his first Sweepstakes Final last year with Mays Place, and his mission to add another to that tally commences in Hobart on Tuesday night, when he takes two horses for the first heats for the 2022 edition, which is sponsored by Cavalor Equine.
Only four runners will compete in the colts and geldings heat, where Rattray prepares Karalta Artemis, the winner of two races from three starts, and he appears to have a bright future ahead of him.
“He is a lovely horse, and we are looking forward to what’s ahead of us,” said Rattray.
The gelded son of Huntsville won on debut in Launceston on 3 April before catching the eye when running third to the undefeated Victorian Rock Artist on Easter Cup night.
Connections sent the pacer to the spelling paddock, and he resumed with a 2.4m win in Hobart on 24 July.
“His first start, we didn’t expect him to perform as well as he did, but it worked in his favour when he led, and they only dashed up the straight.
“But he has improved since then, we have always had an opinion of him,” the trainer said.
“I would imagine if he goes out and puts his best foot forward (on Sunday), he is the testing material, but it’s easy to say it, you have got to go out and do it.
“The three other horses there are all pretty good. I expect Brian Stanley’s horse in one (More Than This) to improve as they always do, Nyak has shown ability, and Dukes Choice has gone ok,” explained Rattray of his rivals.
Scarlet Place is Rattray’s representative in the fillies division.
Although still a maiden, the Shoobees Place filly has been runner-up on three occasions.
“It’s going to be tough because I think it will be an exceptional year for the two-year-old fillies.
“There is going to be a field lineup next week that will probably be every bit as good as the field this week,” said Rattray.
“I think she can run top three, but she won’t want anything to go wrong to do that,” said the trainer on his filly’s chances.
The race features Cee Tee Chelsea, Chasin Frankie and Reely Nauti all in single figures.
Heat two of both sex divisions will be held next Sunday before the $26,000 Finals at the Trot In To Spring meeting on Saturday night, 3 September.
Watch Karalta Artemis score on 24 July.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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