King Island trainer Peter Jakowenko is eyeing a permanent move to mainland Tasmania.
He is currently on mainland Tasmania campaigning a small team of horses, including recent Hobart winner Napattack Sam ($6), who claimed the Morey’s Tours Pace (2090m) on Friday.
Driven by Jacob Duggan, the seven-year-old For A Reason gelding raced behind the leader before using the sprint lane to score by a neck over Kiavino Stride ($2.90 fav) and Starofremembrance ($3.60) in a mile rate of 1:59.2s.
“He went good. He is a nice little horse and is better than what some people think he is.
“He ran a sub 58.0s last half, and I was very happy with him,” said Jakowenko about the win.
“He cost me $500 and I’ve won four with him now, and he doesn’t owe me anything.
“I sold him once, and I ended up buying him back and have won three with him since.
“Once he has a spell, I think there will be some improvement, not that he is a superstar, but he is very honest, tries his heart out and pays his way. That’s all you want,” the trainer added.
Jakowenko brought several horses down after the King Island season last year and had good success, and this trip may well pave the way for a permanent move.
“I have always wanted to do this and test the waters, as eventually, I would love to move here full time, and that’s the plan.
“I came last year, and Fighting Fire won a couple of nice races, but I took him back (to King Island), and he doesn’t handle the track.
“I brought five with me, but I am down to two. I have rehomed a few of them, and I am looking for a couple more from Victoria to replace them,” said Jakowenko, who is currently based at Oatlands.
“My son James is based on King Island, but he is keen to come down and have a couple of drives with the big boys to see what it is like. He has done a good job. He never touched a horse until 10 years ago and has done well for our limited opportunities on the Island.
“I have to go back to King Island for a month and then to Thailand for a month, and then I plan on being here full-time. The racing is good, I’m centrally located, and the people here are lovely, and they can’t help you enough,” the trainer said.
