Promising and injury-plagued pacer Triedtotellya will make his race track return in the Hillwood Sharks Football Club Stakes (1680m) in Launceston on Sunday afternoon and will do so for a new stable.
The five-year-old gelded son of Well Said was trained by Matthew Howlett and is part-owned by him and his family. They have given the pacer to Beauty Point-based trainer Rohan Hillier.
“He has got a tendon issue. That’s why he is here because we have a pool and the beach and have had a bit of success with tendons before, so that is the only reason he is here, and he is a lovely horse,” said Hillier, who will also drive the pacer on Sunday.
On Monday, Triedtotellya led for the final 1700m in a 2150m standing start trial at Carrick Park.
“I went way too fast. You think you are running 32s, and you are actually running 30s, as he gets over the ground that much. He just takes you by surprise.
“I would be disappointed if he got beat (on Sunday). He will probably have to park up, and the reason he was at the trials to try and qualify for the Easter Cup. I think that’s how good he is.”
The gelding failed to qualify from a stand in his most recent trial, meaning the pacer will have to qualify from a stand before the upcoming Easter Cup heats.
Hillier also has Blackbird Miss engaged in the race. The daughter of Mach Three has won at both her starts since returning from a spell and will be driven by Jordan Chibnall from the pole.
“It is a bit of a step in grade, but she has done the job her first two starts back and has a nice barrier draw again.
“She went a little bit sore after the George Johnson Final last year, so we tipped her out and touch wood, she seems fine at the moment,” the trainer said.
The Hillier stable also has Watch It Happen engaged on the program in the Pearce Family Hillwood Pace (2200m).
“I have just given him a couple of runs for his new owners. This will probably be his last run before he goes to Victoria; he pulled too hard last start. We have changed a bit of gear, and hopefully, he puts his best foot forward.
Sunday’s card will be an afternoon meeting, as opposed to the regular twilight fixture, and commences with a two-year-old event at 13:19.
