Trainer-driver Ryan Hryhorec dominated the two heats of the SA BOTRA Colts and Geldings Pace at Globe Derby Park.
Hryhorec trained and drove both winners, scoring with Hit Maka in the Virginia Meats heat and leading throughout on Blurred Lines in the Gary Crocker Home Loans second.
Resuming from a spell, Hit Maka ($2.60) scored a one metre win from Farasthe Eyecansee ($18.20) with the heavily backed Jeremes Bonus ($2.40 fav) six metres away third.
Blurred Lines ($2.40 fav), also resuming from a short break had six and a half metres to spare in beating Bongiorno Boys ($35.50) with Im Supreme ($9.70) a metre away third.
Hit Maka rated 2:01:8 compared with 2:01:9 recorded by Blurred Lines.
“They are both nice horses,” Hryhorec said. “But I have to say I am excited about Hit Maka because I’m not sure we have reached his full potential.
“Because he has had a few setbacks we haven’t been able to have a complete campaign and while he never wins easily, I’m sure he has a lot more to give.”
Coming from the outside draw on the second row, Hryhorec settled last in the 2230 metre event but allowed Hit Maka to stride to outside the leader Jeremes Bonus mid race and was able to put that horse away on straightening and it was left to Farasthe Eyecansee to issue a late challenge but the winner always looked in control.
“That was his first run since the end of February and he will be fitter again this week.”
Blurred Lines came from gate one and the driver was able to control the race with 31.7 and 31.1 first quarters then sprint homer strongly to score easily.
“I was always confident when I got away with a comfortable lead. He’s a good colt with a promising future.”
Hryhorec also revealed that Glenferrie Bunter, a devastating winner of the Tankard Dental Mildura Guineas at his most recent run on April 11 should be ready to return to the racetrack at Port Pirie on Saturday night.
“He was nearly ready for this week but I felt needed another week.”
