Leading trainer/driver Mark Yole provides a behind the scenes look at the weekend of harness racing with 10 races in Launceston on Sunday night.
Weekend Best
Race 4 – 7. Im Rock Solid
Really solid win two starts ago by this bloke in a very similar race to this. Last start he had to work too hard and just got tired up the straight. Trainer Shane Boon has given him a few weeks to get over that run and finds another suitable trainer encouragement race here. I expect to be able to push forward at the start and I think he will be very hard to beat.
Under the Radar
Race 7 – 7. Stone Cracker
No luck at his past two starts when inside second row draws have seen this boy boxed in on the fence with no clear run. Before that he was spotted hitting the line very strongly. Another tricky draw here so he will need a change in luck, but if he can get some, he will be right in the finish.
Wish I was in the sulky
Race 2 – 5. Sunny Sanz
Obvious choice here, very good horse. He ran a super race two starts ago in Hobart to break the state record time. I noticed he had sliding block blinkers on for the first time that night, and it proved a master stroke by his trainer Kent Rattray. Sliding block blinkers are used most commonly when a horse is not quite finishing their races off and the blocks can be to close a horses vision off from behind so they can focus forward. In that race in Hobart I (driving Buster William) came off his back on straightening but when Gareth pulled the blinds, he found another gear and ran away from me. He had to do a power of work last start when left without cover chasing a tearaway leader and he was simply out on his feet up the straight. If I were to drive him Sunday, I would push forward and drive him to find the lead. I see him winning if he can find the top.
Black Booker
Race 8 – 7. Wandary Muscat
Really liked the run of this mare last week in Hobart. She came three-wide without cover a lap out and battled on well in a much stronger race than she meets Sunday. She has drawn awkwardly but Wes has done a good job with her in the past and with that run under her belt she should only be improved. One to watch.
Inside Word
I would like to give a shout out to young Kayleb Williams. He completely moved his life over here from King Island approximately 18 months ago. To say he was a little green when he first came over would be an understatement and something I’m sure he would agree with.
He fell into the trap that a lot of younger drivers do by driving with his hands right back and trying to emulate the “American style” of laying back in the sulky. A lot try this style however very few can find a good balance in the sulky and full control of their horses.
I have noticed he has started looking a lot more comfortable and confident over the past few months and I believe it is really starting to show in the results on the track. Particularly through his success with Hayden Bromac, which has really taught him patience and how to use the horse’s brilliant sprint. I also liked the way he drove Our Balou last week putting him into the race at just the right time.
In this industry we see junior drivers come in and some have instant success, what I have found good about Kayleb is that he has gained experience and bided his time and never been afraid to ask questions or seek advice from senior drivers. In what is now a competitive junior driving ranks here in Tasmania I am keen to see his progression in the future.
