31 March 2023 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
The Easter Cup carnival commenced in Launceston last week, where last year’s Easter Cup runner-up, Like A Wildfire, made a statement by breaking the track record when becoming the first horse to qualify for Saturday week’s $75,000 final.
The second and final heat will be conducted this Sunday, with all six starters qualifying for the final.
The thoroughbred code is mourning the passing of Paul Geard, who also had a background in Harness racing, being an owner of many pacers over the years, including Lucky Atashy, winner of the 1985 Devonport Cup.
The Stars
Like A Wildfire– broke the long-standing 2698m standing start Launceston track record with a brilliant win in the first heat of the Easter Cup. The win was the last leg of a driving treble for Allan McDonough.
Jacob Duggan – continued his excellent start to the 2023 season with three winners across last weekend’s meetings, which included a patient drive to score with Anotherbigman in the last race in Launceston. Duggan sits six wins clear on the state’s junior drivers’ premiership.
Seriously Sam – led all the way to win the first two-year-old race of the season. The Vincent colt is the first foal out of Merlene Oh, and is prepared by Juanita McKenzie.
Hannah Van Dongen – is one of two representatives at the Australian Female Drivers Championship at Albion Park on Saturday. She heads there in winning form after scoring with Buster William, who was one of two winners on Sunday for trainer Mark Yole.
Feats of the meet
Hobart, 24 March
Ben Yole – four training wins,
Mitch Ford – three driving wins,
Tammy Langley – two training wins,
Jacob Duggan – two driving wins.
Launceston, 26 March
Allan McDonough – three driving wins,
Mark Yole – two training wins.
Calculated Sectional Standouts
Hobart, 24 March
Lorimer Lady 57.27s, Mucho Mover 57.54s, Blackjack Jim 57.71s, The Democrat 57.74s and Tewaraway Diamond 57.82s.
Launceston, 26 March
Hickstead 55.76s, Rackemup Tigerpie 55.95s, Buster William 56.11s, Equity Stride 56.54s and Well Said Harps 56.60s.
Tasracing Official Price
Hobart, 24 March
Hits: Nine Diamonds $19 into $12, Our Ruby Rose $2.50 into $1.95, Will He Pike $3.90 into $2.60, Kick It To Jack $3.70 into $2.60 and Montana Lad $3.90 into $3.40.
Defied The Drift: Deadly Assassin $3.30 out to $3.80 and Lorimetyrrell $4.20 out to $4.40.
Missed: Mista Eagle $5.50 into $4.80 and Major Lester $2.60 into $2.30.
Launceston, 26 March
Hits: Well Said Harps $3.60 into $3.00, Dream Maze $1.20 into $1.12 and Like A Wildfire $3.10 into $2.60.
Defied The Drift: Seriously Sam $2.45 out to $2.80, Sen The Destiny $4.20 out to $6.00, Buster William $7.00 out to $13 and Staley $8.50 out to $11.
Missed: Iam The Real Thing $7.00 into $4.80, Rackemup Tigerpie $4.60 into $4.00, Iylac Beach $4.00 into $3.70, Hickstead $3.50 into $2.50 and Lalasa $16 into $10.
Week Ahead
Friday: Eight races in Hobart from 18:12.
Saturday: A big day that kicks off with trials at Carrick Park from 9:00.
The Australian Female Drivers Championship occurs at Albion Park, were Tiarna Ford and Hannah Van Dongen will represent the state.
The championship races are 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 on the program.
Plenty of Tasmanian interest in the sixth race at Melton, which only has seven runners, including Montana Storm, Kosimo and Lip Reader. There is also Tassie interest in Fynn Frost in race 7.
Sunday: Nine races in Launceston, including the second heat of the Group 3 Easter Cup.
Racing starts at 17:15, with the first race scheduled for Sky Racing 2 and the remainder of the card on Sky Racing 1.
Monday: Trials in Hobart from 17:30.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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