13 February 2023 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
A tilt at Tasmania’s only Group 1 harness race, the Tasmania Cup, is on the cards for Colby Sanz after his win in the $15,000 Launceston Discretionary on Sunday night.
The Kent Rattray-trained pacer galloped out before settling quickly to settle one-out and two-back.
Reinsman Kayleb Williams improved his position from the 800m and proved too tough late in a three-horse battle over the concluding stages to score by 1.2m over Diamonds N Cash, who led throughout in the 2200m event.
The gelded son of Betterthancheddar was sent out as a $7 chance, while his stablemate, and older half-brother Sunny Sanz started the race favourite at $3.50, who finished third from his 20m handicap.
Trainer Kent Rattray explained post-race that he was slightly surprised with the result.
“I’m absolutely thrilled.
“He (Colby Sanz) got under my guard, I thought Sunny Sanz was by far the best horse, but on the night, Colby has done a really good job, and Kayleb (Williams) drove him well,” explained the trainer.
“Colby is still only a mid-range horse. He won the (rating) 70 front Burnie Cup the other day, and to win that race tonight against quality opposition.
Rattray is now eyeing off the Tasmania Cup with his duo, which sees a heat scheduled in Hobart on the 5 and 10 March before the $150,000 final on 18 March.
“I think Colby has earned himself a look at the Tasmania Cup, as he will get a front-row draw.
“The conditions don’t really suit Sunny, but when you have that sort of money about, you have got to have a go at it,” said the Lietinna-based trainer.
Sunday’s other feature race was the Harry Holgate Memorial Final which Big Boy Mal took out for trainer Rohan Hillier.
Reinsman Gareth Rattray took the $2.15 favourite straight to the lead and was always holding his rivals late to score by 2.4m.
The win was the middle leg of a training treble for Hillier, who scored with Miss Papenhuyzen and Loyola Trios, who gave Hillier his 500th training win.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
