Stepping Stones ($41) claimed her first race for the season when claiming the $20,000 Launceston Discretionary in Launceston on Sunday night.
The Heath Woods-trained and driven pacer stepped cleanly from outside of the front row to settle behind the leader, and got out in plenty of time, and was always holding Blitzern ($9) and Pardoe Plugga ($11) in the run to the line to score in a mile rate of 1:58.5s.
The 2200m standing start track record in Launceston is 1:57.2s, set by Beyond Delight, who started with a 30m handicap last year. His overall time was 2:42.5s, with Stepping Stones overall time being run in quicker, 2:42.1s. However, the mile rate was slower, given her front-row handicap.
A false start was declared at the first attempt, which worked out in her favour, according to the trainer-driver.
“The first start I was caught wide, so the second start worked out better for me,” said Woods.
“She is always thereabouts. She needs the right run, and things panned out perfectly. That’s her go when there is a bit of speed on and a nice sit close to them.”
The daughter of Stonebridge Regal has now won 11 of her 106 starts, with 48 minor placings and just over $184,000 in stake earnings.
“In some ways, she probably races above herself. In some ways, you have got to give her a pat on the back. She has run some placings in some big races and picked up some good prize money in races where better horses have finished behind her.
“She probably just lacks that bit of speed. In some races where they dash up a bit, she can just lose that length, and you end up getting pushed wider.
“I don’t have any plans for her. I will just look for suitable races,” the trainer-driver added.
Two-year-old filly Arrhythmia ($1.24 fav) kept her unbeaten record intact when claiming the Tassie Wash Stakes (1680m) at her third race start, leading all the way to win in 1:57.2s.
The win was the first leg of a training and driving double for the Tammy Langley and Dylan Ford combination, winning with Diamondsnblue ($5.50) later in the night.
One of the better bred winners on the program was Oravoir ($5), who broke through for his maiden win at his 22nd start in the Ladbrokes Fast Payouts Pace (2200m).
Trained by Melissa Maine and driven by Gareth Rattray, Oravoir is a half-brother to dual Inter Dominion winner Beautide.
Driving honours at the meeting went to Charlie Castles.
He trained and drove Octagonise ($7.50) and Lou Baby ($1.90 fav) before partnering the Geoff Smith-trained Grinning Again ($11) to victory in the final race of the night.
