This year’s Jane Ellen Final winner, Le Betty, will be chasing the biggest win of her career when she lines up in the $60,000 Group 3 Ladbrokes Granny Smith (2698m) for the Tasbred four-year-old mares in Launceston on Sunday night.
The daughter of Lazarus was placed in the prelude on 6 July when defeated 3.9m by Swiatek Leis, who will be looking to become the first horse to win all three age divisions of the Tasbred series.
Le Betty did lead and was inclined to over race in the prelude, with the trainer happy with her effort.
“I was very happy with her heat run. A few things went against us leading into the race. We missed a race, and then, upon arriving at the track, the lights went out, forcing us to come back in. Additionally, a few other issues arose, which were enough to unsettle her and make her feel too fresh for the race.
“She seems to have come through the run alright, we have made a little gear adjustment, and hopefully that helps curtail that keenness early on, and she can relax and finish off,” said Walters.
Australia’s leading driver, James Herbertson, was booked for the drive but has since relinquished it, with Dylan Ford now taking the driving responsibilities from barrier two on the second row at the mares first try at 2698m, like many in the race.
“I was happy when I saw the draw, we don’t have to be intentionally involved early. With a bit of luck, we can observe what happens early, and then Dylan (Ford) can make his decision as to when he decides to put her into the race.
“Her regular work is two heats of 2600m, so going off that, you would say that it shouldn’t be an issue, but you never know until they race over it,” added the trainer.
Le Betty opened up as a $5.50 chance and shares the third line of betting with Miss Dutton and Sabine. Swaitek Leis opened up as the $2.50 fav, with Sporty Chick on the second line at $5.
In the Group 3 Tasfreight Raider Stakes, Do It for Victorian trainer Tayla Fellows, the life partner of former Tasmanian Dylan Marshall, opened up as the $1.90 fav.
The gelded son of Always Be Miki won the prelude by 8m after leading all the way.
Jack Laugher, who drove in the prelude, retains the drive for the final.
Other horses in the market are Cuzzy Bro, who opened up $3.50, Smooth Machete $5.50 and Stranded Lollipop $6.50.
Another highlight is the second running of the Darrel Rockliff Graduate, where Spot Ruler and Watermelon Sugar opened as the $2.90 equal favourites.
In other harness racing news, all eyes will be on Albion Park this weekend for the Inter Dominion Grand Finals, where once again there will be strong Tasmanian representation.
Max Delight, contesting his fourth Inter Dominion series, has made his way through to his third Pacing Grand Final for north-west coast owner Mick Maxfield. The pacer was runner-up in last week’s heat, which Sure Thing Captain won.
Tasmanian-owned and bred pacer Nyack is the emergency for the Grand Final. If he fails to gain a start, he will contest the Group 3 Consolation.
His trainer-driver, former Tasmanian James Rattray, has several runners across the card, including the Trotters Grand Final with London To A Brick.
Another former Tasmanian, Alex Ashwood, prepares Parisian Artiste for the Trotters Grand Final, who was the dominant heat winner last week. Like Rattray, Ashwood has several other runners engaged on the program.
Brodie Davis will contest the last heat of the Australasian Young Drivers Championship, which kicks off the card, while his sister Tamsyn will compete in the Pony Trot on the program.
