The Ladbrokes Summer Racing Festival begins with a bang in harness racing this weekend, with three meetings, concluding with a massive night of racing in Launceston on Sunday night. Premiership leading driver Mark Yole provides his regular thoughts.
Weekend best
Launceston Race 3 – 4. Syzate
A lovely little mare that always runs an honest race. This is the feature ‘Golden Girls’ mares’ race, and I think it is an extremely even field. I thought this girl was very good first up from a spell when held up and found the line very well. Then she didn’t handle the sprint race in Hobart when disappointing. She was okay last week from a horror draw and found the line well. I will just duck for cover as she doesn’t enjoy doing any work early, and if I am close enough over the final 400m, she will be right in the finish.
Wish I was in the sulky
Launceston Race 6 – 1. Baby You A Song
Heat two of the Youngbloods series and I think this mare gets a great chance from the pole. She has been going very well lately and is a quality mare. Two starts ago she won a heat of the Dynamo when doing plenty of work and I think young Jacob Duggan will be in the prime seat to control the race from the front. If he is allowed to get away with any cheap sectionals, he will be mighty hard to catch.
Launceston Race 1 – 3. Modern Jive
Very consistent since coming to the Apple Isle. I think from an encouraging draw he is one to watch. A gelding that possesses great gate speed, he will have options early. He can use that speed to try and lead, or alternatively, he could just come out with Star Watching and let Carol’s Judge slide across to the spot outside the leader and just sit quietly on her back. That should give him every chance to get his first win down here.
Under the radar
Hobart Race 5 – 9. Sharmey
Not much luck at his past few runs of late. This seasoned campaigner gets into a winnable race. Last week, he slotted in behind Somedan and looked to get a lovely run, however, he was slightly held up around the corner and had to wait for the sprint lane, which just allowed the first few runners to gain the momentum out wide. He finished off well, but it was too late. Here, he comes up with a nice trailing draw from two on the back row. With any genuine tempo up front, he will be finishing off over the top.
Value runner
Hobart Race 8 – 1. Beast Mode
A couple more encouraging runs at his past two outings so I’ve gone the way of this gelding. They were both in standing starts, and one from a handicap. He comes up with the plumb draw here. I have some options as I have two fast beginners outside me in Eye See Double and Endeavour Stride. I should enjoy a lovely run just in behind them, and over the 1609m he will get his chance.
