01 July 2019 | Shane Yates for Tasracing
Call Me Hector is headed for a potential showdown with Izaha in the 4YO Championship in Launceston on Sunday night after another sensational victory in Hobart on Sunday night.
The Matthew Cooper-trained and driven Art Major – Lady Jillett Lombo gelding (pictured) decimated his rivals in the Hobart Signwriters Pace, hitting the line 9.5-metres clear, running a mile rate of 1:58.5.
“He just keeps on impressing me with his performances, he’s won five out of seven since arriving in the stable in April and his two placings were great efforts when second to Ryley Major and third to Monarkmac when he had no luck and was only beaten a metre,” said Matthew.
“He showed good gate speed tonight from three to lead comfortably at the first turn and from there he travelled beautifully, there was some pressure on early but he relaxed nicely which is going to be vital in the bigger races going forward.”
In testing conditions Call Me Hector recorded a lead time of 34.4 seconds and early quarters of 28.5 and 30.1 seconds but Cooper still had a lap full of horse at his disposal.
“He was cruising at the half-mile and he rolled away from them going into the backstretch under his own steam before racing home to win by just on 10 metres with plenty in reserve,” a delighted Cooper said.
“I think his best is still to come so we will give him one more run before a good spell and then bring him back for the bigger races next season.”
The one more run Matthew has in mind before a spell is the 4YO Championship in Launceston on Sunday.
“It’s going to be a tough assignment as I’m sure Todd (Rattray) will have Izaha going around, he’s proven himself the best four-year-old in the state capping his season off with an effortless win in the Raider Stakes,” said Matthew.
“I’m confident Call Me Hector will keep him honest and you never know if he gets the breaks he may cause an upset.”
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