Longtime harness enthusiast Bill Cormack proved himself an astute judge when Royal Safari won its second race from three starts at Globe Derby Park.
Cormack, who has worked in the industry for nearly 50 years, purchased the five-year-old late last year and gave the horse to Gawler trainer Aaron Brown.
At Globe Derby, Royal Safari, driven by Ken Rogers, and a $3.40 chance, proved too strong in the Hygain Horse Products Pace (1800m), heat one, scoring a head win from Stylish Shiela ($5.70) with Bianca Tang ($6.70), 2-1/2 metres away third.
“I think he is a nice horse,” Brown said.
“Despite the narrow margin I’m sure he would have kept finding no matter how many horses tried to run him down.”
Royal Safari began nicely from gate six but Rogers was happy to sit wide while others battled for the lead and eventually the heavily backed Destiny Warrior ($2.30 fav) worked to the front.
Once it did, Rogers allowed his drive to strike up and sit outside the favourite, then with 600m left to travel he put the pressure on and after 300 metres asserted control.
Rogers was happy to just shake up Royal Safari and the gelding won narrowly, but impressively.
“I had my eye on him for more than six months and finally I was able to pick him up,” Cormack said.
“My interest in the sport began at Wayville back in the 60’s and I have been involved ever since.
“For a long time I worked with Jon Hryhorec, Ryan’s father, and now am helping out Aaron.
“My days of working horses is gone but I muck out the yards, gear them up and then wash them down.
“I can remember years ago driving work for Jon early in the morning when Ryan was just three and four, and he regularly came out and sat in the cart with me. Sometimes he even fell asleep while we were jogging around.”
Royal Safari made his debut for connections on February 8 at Globe Derby Park and landed some good bets in scoring easily before not having muck luck at the same track on February 13 and atoned last Friday night.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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