Leading trainer/driver Mark Yole provides a behind the scenes look at the weekend of harness racing with meetings in Launceston on Friday and Hobart on Sunday.
Weekend Best
Launceston, Race 2 – 4. All For Dave
My best for the weekend looks an obvious choice in All for Dave. He made his debut with a terrific win leading all the way in Hobart. Trainer Mark Reggett has targeted this race and kept the horse ticking over waiting. From the draw I will likely push forward attempting to find the lead and I expect him to be very hard to beat.
Under the Radar
Hobart, Race 2 – 1. Spooky Girl
I thought she ran a terrific race last time out. I came three-wide at the bell hoping to get a cart into the race, however that didn’t eventuate, and she had to do it solo for the last 1000 metres. She hit the front at the top of the straight but just weakened over the last 50m which I thought she was entitled to. She will be fitter for that run. From the pole I have some options as she has the gate speed to lead over the mile or if they hammer her out of the gate the sprint lane may come into play if the attacker can get me there.
Wish I was in the sulky
Launceston, Race 6 – 11. Sinister
This horse trialled nicely at Carrick Park and then was the beneficiary of a hot tempo here on Tuesday when he was able to finish strongly to score his first win in the state. This race to me, does not look any stronger. I think Jordy will be able to either follow Ideal Karalta into the race or if it makes a mid-race move he should be strong enough to come on his own. I can see him winning again. He looks a horse with great upside.
Inside Word
With the impending move to Victoria of Conor Crook, the leading driver from last year and current leader in the premiership this year, it will be interesting to see who steps up and takes his place on top.
As we have seen over the last few seasons, the backing of the Ben Yole stable is pivotal. With such a cutthroat industry, opportunities are everything. Will there be one driver who takes over the number one seat or will it be a keenly contested battle royal?
The inside word is that a prominent junior driver is making the move north to work for the powerful stable. Will that change the pecking order?
Only time will tell…
