11 March 2024 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
Neon took a progressive step to the $20,000 Sinbad Bay Final on Easter Cup night in Launceston when he won the first heat (2090m) in Hobart on Friday night.
Trained and driven by Todd Rattray, the $3.50 chance showed good speed to lead before taking cover when challenged near the 1200m.
The four-year-old gelded son of Betting Line utilised the Nutrien Sprint Lane in the home straight on his way to record a 5.6m win over Southern Luck ($2.70 fav) and Heracles ($3.50)
Given that only six runners have contested the heat, they will all progress to the final.
Neon is out of 13-time winner Our Zellweger, making him a half-relation to open class pacers Harjeet and Izaha. The win takes Neon’s record to two wins and three placings from nine career starts.
Driving honours at the Hobart meeting went to Robert Walters with a driving treble.
He drove Remember Me Now ($2.30 fav) and Nine Diamonds ($2.70 fav) to victory for Wayne Yole, and the Ben Yole-trained Vigoroso ($7.50).
Vigoroso’s win was the first leg of a training treble for Ben, who had success with Mr Kiwi ($5) and Brian Who ($6), both of whom were driven by Nathan Ford.
Dylan Ford and Tammy Langley combined to win, and Captain Dan ($2.20 fav) continued the pair’s good winning run.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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