10 October 2022 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
New Zealand import Lynryd Skynryd has taken a liking to Australian soil.
The A Rocknroll Dance gelding had won three of his 38 starts in the Shakey Isles, and after crossing the ditch, the pacer has been undefeated in two starts since joining the Oatlands stables of Steve Lukac after being purchased by owner Greg West.
On Sunday in Hobart, reinsman Rohan Hillier got the pacer quickly through the field from barrier four on the second row to settle one out and one back after the first 150m.
When the leaders tapped the breaks near the 1300m, Hillier moved the $2.10 favourite to the lead before leaving his rivals at the 700m on his way to a 15.7m win.
“It wasn’t unexpected,” said Lukac post-race.
“The horse has got ability, his first start in Launceston was good but it was his first run in 10 weeks and he had a good blow.
“I gave him a good hit out the other day, and he had improved a lot off that run,” explained the trainer.
Lukac expects the gelding could make it to the free-for-all class.
“On his trackwork times, and I have had a couple with No Spring Secrets and Call Me Hector, he is matching it with them now.
“I’m going to take him to the next set of trials and get him qualified from a stand.
“I think the country cups would be ideal for this horse, that’s if he steps and does everything right,” Lukac said.
The pacer is raced by Greg West, who spends time in South Australia and New Zealand.
“Greg went to buy him six months ago before he brought Kerala Star.
“But it was the last horse the old fellow had bred and it was giving him something to get out of bed every morning, so that’s how he brought Kerala Star, who was racing against him.
“Down the track, the old fella had some health issues and sold the horse, and Greg noticed the horse had changed stables, so he chased up the horse again,” Lukac explained.
Driving honours at the meeting went to concession reinsman Ryan Backhouse with a winning double, scoring with Ashante Queen and Montana Flash.
As far as trainers go, Juanita McKenzie prepared a double with Jack James and Sharmey, while Ben Yole also prepared a double with Montana Flash and Turquoise Stride.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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