Consistent pacer Alberio gave his Carrick-based trainer Neville Rattray the biggest win of his training career when claiming the Inaugural Circular Head Cup (2180m) on a windy afternoon at the Wivenhoe Paceway in Burnie on Sunday.
The 10-year-old gelded son of Village Jasper produced his brilliant standing start manners in the $14,000 event, to find the lead with the trainer’s nephew, Gareth Rattray, in the sulky.
Gareth was happy to make the race a sprint home after the first two quarters of the final mile recorded in 32.5s and 32.5s, before increasing the tempo over the final 804m in 29.8s and 28.2s.
Alberio ($4) was too speedy late for Kostyuk Leis ($14) and Repetitive ($19) in a mile rate of 2:05.2s.
“His standing start manners are one of his biggest advantages, and they help him get in the right spots. He is a very honest horse, that is no superstar, and I think he is racing better than he was 12 months ago, as he is getting those 2100m races now,” said Neville.
“We sneak around the outskirts and try to pick up a dollar with him, and that’s what he is doing for us.”
The pacer, who had four previous trainers prior to being purchased by Neville, along with Susan Leersen in 2023, has now recorded 14 wins, 39 placings and just over $117,000 in prize money.
“He has been a lot of fun, and is a great horse to have around. We have a good summer with him going to all the country tracks.
“We will take him back to Burnie on the 13th (of March), he should be close to leading the horse of the year down there, and that would be nice to pick up.”
Neville obtained his trainers license in 2022 after retiring from full-time employment, and he has also had success as a thoroughbred trainer in the late 90’s.
The trainer has several young horses trialling at present.
“I knew along when I was mucking around with the older horses, that the younger ones were where you had to be,” said Neville.
