29 August 2022 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
On Sunday night in Launceston, Melnrowley commenced her campaign to the $60,000 Group 2 Granny Smith in mid-November, with an all-the-way win in the Rare Earth Stakes Heat Two, which has a nice $20,000 Final attached in Hobart on Saturday night.
The mare stepped brilliantly from the tapes at her first standing start try, which is customary with horses prepared by north-west coast conditioner Craig Hayes.
Reinsman Gareth Rattray got some soft early sections, with a lead time of 48.6s before quarters of 32.7s and 31.5s, quickening the tempo to 28.9s and 27.8s, which made it extremely hard for her handicap rivals to make ground.
“I was really pleased with her.
“She dashed up well her last half mile. She did get an easy first quarter which she probably needed first-up, and was really strong on the line,” explained Rattray.
The daughter of Heston Blue Chip looks one of the main chances, pre-barrier draw, for Saturday night’s final.
“She went away super tonight, and manners are always an advantage in any race,” said Rattray.
Gareth was in the winner’s list earlier in the night when scoring with Scarlet Place, who is prepared by his uncle Kent.
Settling at the tail of the small field, Gareth was able to get a cart into the race over the final 800m before out sprinting her rivals in the straight in a mile rate of 2m 3.4s.
“She had been knocking on the door.
“She probably deserved that win, and she got her Tasbred bonus, which was good,” said Gareth.
The daughter of in-form stallion Shoobees Place qualified the start prior for the $24,000 Sweepstakes Final this Saturday night. However, Gareth has committed to stable mate Julepe Sanz.
“I will drive Julepe Sanz, she went good first-up and was unlucky not to win, so hopefully we can go one better,” said Gareth.
Gareth’s brother Todd was also in the winners list with Sweet Lou gelding Magician who scored first up from a spell in the second heat of the Three Year Old Spring Championship.
The barrier draws for Saturday nights metropolitan card in Hobart will be released on Tuesday afternoon.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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