16 May 2024 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
Plenty of quick times were recorded in Launceston last Sunday for the Launceston Mile, which Magician won in 1:56.9s.
However, the quickest mile rate was recorded in one of the support races with former Victorian Keayang Fitzy in 1:56.5s.
This week, Friday night racing is in Launceston before a Sunday night fixture in Hobart.
The Stars
Magician– last season’s Tasmanian Horse Of The Year won his first race of the season when overcoming a second-row draw to score in the Launceston Mile in 1:56.9s. Trainer-driver Todd Rattray pushed forward three-wide early to race first-over for the final 1100m and was too tough late. The win was the second leg of a driving double for Rattray.
Keayang Fitzy – won in 1:56.2s at Warragul in late April, and he made his presence felt at his Tasmanian debut winning in 1:56.5s. He was driven by Kyle Pratten, who drove a double on the program with two late pick-up drives. The pacer is trained by Wayne Yole, who prepared a treble on the card, with the win of Fleetwood Rock being his 100th career training win.
Kristy Butler – has a 26% winning strike rate this season with horses from her stable. She continued her good form with a training double in Launceston on Sunday night with Herakles and Lunchtime Lass, who were both driven by the state’s leading driver this season, Rohan Hillier.
Steven and Brodie Davis – the father-son duo combined for a double on Sunday, including an overdue win with Jo An Jo, who was rewarded for her consistency after seven minor placings this season, while Serengeti Sunrise produced his better manners to win his first race of the season later in the night.
Paul Bonner – King Island-based owner was spotted in the winner’s circle at Gloucester Park (WA) on Friday night as a part-owner of Sweet Vivienne, who won the Harry Capararo 4YO & 5YO Westbred Mares Pace at Listed Level.
Feats of the meet
Launceston 12, May
Wayne Yole – training treble and 100th career win,
Kristy Butler – training double,
Steven Davis -training double,
Brodie Davis – driving double,
Rohan Hillier – driving double,
Kyle Pratten – driving double,
Todd Rattray – driving double.
Calculated Sectional Standouts
Launceston 12, May
Mickey Oh 56.16s, Nyack 56.24s, Keayang Fitzy and Huli Nien both 56.26s and Katunga Express 56.33s.
Tasracing Official Price
Launceston 12, May
Hit’s: Herakles $2.80 into $1.85, Jilliby Mendoza $3.30 into $2.70, Jo An Jo $3.70 into $2.30, Moneys No Issue $1.70 into $1.28, Mista Eagle $19 into $8.50, drifted to $13 and Serengeti Sunrise $3.60 into $3.30.
Defied The Drift: Keayang Fitzy $2.90 out to $3.90, Lunchtime Lass $3.60 out to $6.00, Magician $2.15 out to $2.70 and Fleetwood Rock $6.50 out to $14.
Missed: Katunga Express $2.70 into $1.95, Octagonise $14 into $8.50, Lewicki Leis $6.00 into $3.90, Better Day $21 into $9.00, Nyack $5.00 into $4.40, Hes Apples $6.00 into $4.80, Ideal Son $3.70 into $3.20, Magomedov $2.40 into $2.15 and Magic Joe $3.90 into $3.00.
Week Ahead
Friday: A six-race card will be held in the twilight zone in Launceston from 17:47.
At Gloucester Park, part-Tasmanian-owned pacer Sweet Vivienne lines up in race seven.
Saturday: Trials at Carrick Park from 9:00 am.
Some runners racing interstate with a Tasmanian connection include:
Melton
Race 3 #10 Kosimo.
Menangle
R3 #5 Boom.
Sunday: Harness racing in Hobart, with the eight-race card commencing at 17:26.
Early on Sunday morning Lip Reader lines up at Buffalo Raceway in the USA.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
