Exciting Tasmanian pacer Triedtotellya will face his toughest test when he lines up in the first of two heats of the Group 3 Ladbrokes Easter Cup (2698m) in Launceston on Sunday night.
The five-year-old gelded son of Well Said took his record to nine wins from 14 starts when winning first up from an injury-enforced layoff in Launceston on 30 March.
The pacer was stepping out for the first time since joining the Rohan Hillier stable and handled his rivals with ease, taking 0.4s off the state record running 1:53.7s.
Hillier didn’t shy away from his intentions of running the pacer in the heats of the Easter Cup before that race, but after not qualifying in a standing start trial on 24 March, Hillier had to take the pacer back to the Carrick Park trials on Monday, where the pacer was able to meet the qualifying standards.
Triedtotellya was defeated six metres in the trial behind Tasmania Cup runner-up Mydadsaid in a mile rate of 2:04.9s for the 2150m trip.
Unfortunately, a power issue at the venue prevented a trial replay from being available for those who weren’t trackside.
“He trialled pretty good and went away good, which was the main thing,” said Hillier about the trial.
“His trackwork suggested that he was as good as any horse I have had. He just had to go to the races and do it, which he did (last start), and he seems to still be ticking along pretty well.”
Sunday’s race will be the first time the pacer has raced over a distance further than 2200m, which is not of concern for the trainer-driver.
“It’s not a concern, he fast works here over that trip and he always finds the line.
“Both heats look to be competitive. There are three or four strong chances in each heat, and if he has good manners and has some luck, he is going to be really hard to beat.
Hillier will also train and drive the 2023 Tassie Golden Apple winner Allbymyself in the second heat.
“She has been the victim of bad draws and fast last halves, so the standing starts bring her into it a little bit.
“The stands and that sort of trip is right up her allley. I’m unsure if she is good enough to win it, but she is good enough to run money,” said Hillier.
The first seven placegetters will secure a spot for the Easter Cup final on Saturday night, 19 April.
