A feature weekend of harness racing awaits, headlined by a big 10-race card in Hobart on Saturday night. Trainer/driver Mark Yole provides his regular thoughts in the Make Your Mark column.
Hobart, 2 November
Race 1 – Major Ideal: Honest mare who gets a good draw for her to get a soft run on the pegs. Each way chance.
Race 2 – No Nukes Skipper: Going very well at his past couple with a win and a very good effort here last week after working mid race. Ideal draw here, can lead or take a sit behind leader and should be right in the finish.
Race 4 – Smooth Reason: Did all the work last start and just got beaten. Draws in front of her main rivals. Should push forward and be hard to beat.
Race 5 – Iden Regal Wave: Tough run last start in heat. I will most likely drive him more conservative here and hope he can finish off the race better.
Race 7 – Messerati: Starting to race back into form. This is a tough race, but with a good trip, he wouldn’t shock me to finish in the top five.
Race 8 – Mista Eagle: Always runs an honest race and although the draw is a little tricky, he will be finishing off strongly as usual.
Race 10 – Settebello: Handy pacer who broke back into the winners list last week after some good efforts at his prior runs. He gets a great draw and he will be handy in the run, hopefully in front and be right in the finish.
Launceston, 3 November
Race 3- Gottahaveahobbie: Great to see him get a win last week in burnie. This is tougher but with his gate speed he will settle handy and should be right in the mix.
Race 4 – Sharmey: Gone off the boil a bit, and this draw is horrific. I will be taking all the shortcuts and praying.
Race 5 – Sapphire Gambler: Racing very consistently, the draw is a little awkward so he will need some luck, if he gets it he will show his presence.
Race 6 – Cinocal Jamane: First up from a spell and will need the run here from this draw.
Race 7 – Ranieri: A winner at his past two outings, this gelding is racing in a purple patch. He is pretty one-dimensional and seems to do his best work on the pegs, I would envision I will drive him similarly here, and he will be finishing off strongly late.
