The feature harness racing continues in Tasmania this weekend where the Easter Cup series commences. Read the thoughts of Mark Yole on selections across both Friday and Sunday night’s programs.
Weekend best
Hobart Race 8 – 9. Major Lester
I was absolutely thrilled with the run of this gelding last start at Carrick Park. He enjoyed a lovely run on the pegs before I was able to work him off into the clear about the 500m, he dashed up really strongly to level peg the favourite on straightening and she really had to dig deep to hold me out. That was Miss Papenhuyzen who is one of the state’s best mares and she followed that up with a great second in the George Johnson last week.
From my second row draw I should get an okay trail through and settle off the speed. With any tempo in the race at all I should be finishing off very strongly again and be hard to hold out.
Wish I was in the sulky
Launceston Race 3 – 3. Moneys No Issue
A really strong showing last week has me picking this gelding. He worked forward to find the lead on that occasion and copped plenty of pressure in a quick last half for horses of his class. He battled on very well to run second to the Victorian raider. He has a favourable draw and while I don’t see him crossing Margarets Clan, I do think he will be settling very handy and without any bad luck I can see him getting the job done.
My stable runners
Launceston Race 2 – 4. Seal the Destiny
I was very happy to break through for a win on this guy last week. I was able to get across the in-form Scotlynn Beach at the start to lead and that made all the difference. He has a better draw here where I would think he would have the gate speed to lead again. He seems to have come through that run well, so I expect him to be right in the finish again although I do feel this field is slightly stronger than last week.
Launceston Race 7 – 8. Buster William
Another consistent performance from this seasoned campaigner last week. He sat four back the pegs in a strong race then worked out into the clear about the 500m and ran on fairly in quick time.
He has a bit of an awkward draw here, but I expect Hannah will have to drive him for some luck from inside the back row draw. If he does get that luck, he will be right in the finish.
Inside word
Peter Staples
This week marked the official retirement of one of the more flamboyant and bubbly media personalities of Tasmanian racing in Peter Staples.
Staples who has been a stalwart for over 40 years, has been a regular on TasracingTV and Sky Channel. While his professionalism has always been of the highest standard, he also brought a quirkiness to his presenting that I think really connected with his audience but also allowed his interviewee to relax and often give out more information to the viewers. I think you would go a long way to find someone that got along with all that he met and I’m sure the racing public wish him all the very best in his well-deserved retirement.
