16 September 2022 | Mark Yole for Tasracing
It was winners galore for readers of Make your Mark last week with Diamonds N Cash, Im Rock Solid and Strezlecki Watusi all saluting. Leading trainer/driver Mark Yole is back again for his thoughts on a weekend with two Tasmanian harness meetings.
Weekend best
Launceston Race 9 – 3. Don Heston
Really tough to pick a best this week as I don’t really think I have a standout. I have a lot of even chances where if they get the right luck, they will be in the finish. Therefore, I have selected Don Heston on an each-way basis. He comes up with a lovely front-row draw where he should be able to race in a forward position either in front or possibly just behind the speed if I’m unable to lead. He has shown in the past that he is very consistent in a race of this capacity. I expect him to be right in the finish.
Under the radar
Hobart Race 7 – 9. Ifbutzandmaybes
I team up with my old mate again here. I really enjoy the challenge of driving this seasoned campaigner. He is a tricky horse to drive and certainly has his vices, but we seem to get on well. This race really suits him and although it is a strongish trainers encouragement race I think he can definitely be right in the finish. From his second-row draw I have some options, I can drive him sit sprint or if they drop anchor up front I may look to make a mid-race move like I did at his last win in Launceston.
Black booker
Launceston Race 8 – 9. Southshore
A bit of a leftfielder here. This fellow has mixed his form since arriving here in Tasmania. I feel he drops hugely in class back into 45-49 rating race. His last two starts have been in spring championship races taking on horses the calibre of Alta Cassino, Lancelot etc. He was only beaten 18 metres last time out so I think if he can bring his best to this race he will be right there. He draws two on the second line and should trail through to be just off the speed, and over the mile he should be ready to pounce over the last 400m. Great chance.
Inside word
Australian Drivers’ Championship
This Saturday night at Globe Derby Park in Adelaide is the Australian Drivers’ Championship. Tasmanian representatives this year are Rohan Hillier and Conor Crook. A big career highlight for both men and I’m sure everyone here in Tasmania will be wishing them luck and cheering them on. On paper it appears Rohan has the better book of drives but as we have seen in these series anything can happen.
It’s always a great series and the opportunity to go and represent your state against the best in the country is amazing. The other world class drivers to drive against and mingle with. New trainers and owners to meet and also the national exposure.
I can recall at a previous series having a conversation with a very well respected and now international driver that it would be incredible to have a series like that on a Saturday night at Menangle, where the best drivers in Australia get to team up with some of the best horses in Australia. Hopefully in the coming years we can see the series in a primetime slot at one of Australia’s main racetracks.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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