The Adrian Duggan-trained High Believer ($5) booked his spot in the upcoming Group 3 Woodlands Stud Dandy Patch (2090m), when claiming the second of two heats in Hobart on Friday night.
The Ride High gelding was positioned at the tail of the five-horse field by driver Jacob Duggan, before racing in the one-one from the 900m. Jacob peeled the pacer three-wide near the 400m, and went on to score by 1.6m over Wheres The Savs ($16) and Quay ($9) in a mile rate of 2:02.6s.
“It worked out beautifully, we got a nice cart into it which suited us down to the ground,” said Jacob.
“He keeps improving every time he steps out, and there feels like there is still more improvement to come.
“He was first-up tonight, after a bit of freshen-up to be aimed at this series,” said the driver.
It was the second career win for High Believer, who is the second foal to race from the Stonebridge Regal mare Shesa Tricky Bridge, who was the winner of 14 races, with her last win being in the 2020 George Johnson.
The first heat of the Woodlands Dandy Patch was won by the Christian Salter-trained Likeyouforareason ($2.90), who recorded a half-neck win over Solo Safari ($9) and Qualify ($10) in 2:01.4s.
Driver Mark Yole had Likeyouforareason in the one-out and one-back position before outsprinting his rivals in the home straight.
The win was the first leg of a double for Yole, who won with Rock On Playboy ($3.70 fav) later in the night.
Yole shared driving honours on the program with Jack Watson, who scored aboard Shoobees Spirit ($3.90 fav) and Oh No Never Again ($1.85 fav).
Bridwood Maisey justified her $1.24 quote to lead all the way and score in the Woodlands Stud Evicus Prelude (1609m).
Mitch Ford drove the Bianca Heenan-trained pacer and was untroubled to score by 14.4m
Both the Dandy Patch and Evicus Finals will be held on Saturday night, 1 November, in Hobart.
