Smith’s Bro almost didn’t go

A mechanical breakdown en-route to Launceston’s harness meeting on Sunday night almost cost trainer Geoff Smith a winning double.

Luckily, he secured another vehicle to get to the track in time for the first race, which not only saw Laid Back Kenny give the Northdown-based trainer the quinella in the first race but the trainer’s 200th career winner.

Laid Back Kenny, driven by Kayleb Williams, settled one-out and two-back before improving off the track from the 500m on his way to a 11.8m win over Im Quite American.

“Kenny’s last four starts have been pretty good.

“His last run in Hobart was a fantastic run, and I was confident with him going into the race tonight,” said Smith.

The most impressive winner of Smith’s double was progressive talent Letsgobro, who took his record to seven wins from 12 starts in a rating 65 to 74 event.

From the pole, Kayleb Williams was able to utilise the draw to full advantage to lead and was always holding Puntarno Stride over the concluding stages for a 2.1m win.

“He had been knocking on the door.

“He had a good draw and was a big run two weeks back.

“His last run in Hobart was ok. He couldn’t get into the race back there over the mile, so I didn’t worry about it,” said Smith post-race.

The four-year-old Four Starzzz Shark gelding was having his fifth start for Smith.

“He was advertised online and I rang the owner up, and I ended up buying him.

“I’m heading to the country cups, I have got to get him qualified from a stand first, but I’m heading to Hobart next Saturday.”

It was a good night for north-west based trainers, with John Castles also recording a double with Nances Tiger and Blue Label.

Beautide prospects Magician and De Goey recorded wins in their final hit-out ahead of Saturday night’s $80,000 Beautide.