Mitch Ford drove a career-best four winners at Friday night’s seven-race card in Hobart, moving into the state’s top 10 drivers for this season.
The young reinsman started the night, winning aboard Dazzle Me ($9.50) in the Thompson Floor Coverings Pace (2090m).
It was a drop in class for the gelded son of American Ideal, who had won the Burnie Cup earlier this year.
Mitch had the Wayne Yole-trained pacer positioned in the one-one in the small field before being produced three-wide at the 400m and was able to score in a tight finish.
Free To Play ($1.80 fav) for Victorian trainer Emma Stewart was the second win for the driver in the Elite Heat Pace (1609m).
From barrier three, the American Ideal filly settled behind the leader early before working around to take up the lead at the 1200m and was able to hold her rivals off over the concluding stages to record a 3.5m win and take her record to four wins from seven starts.
Bettors Delight mare Lalibela ($8.50) was the third winner of the night for Mitch in the Andrew Wood Builder Pace (2090m)
Trained by Wayne Yole, Mitch had the pacer in the one-one by the mile from a wide draw before taking over and kicking clear at the 300m.
Mitch ended his winning night with the Wayne Yole-trained Brian Who ($4.40) in the Stride Ahead Support (2090m).
From a wide draw, Mitch took the pacer out to the tail and settled four back the pegs before improving into the race right off the track from the 400m and swept past his rivals over the final 100m.
Other winners on the program included Onehandonebounce ($2.70 fav) for interstate duo Conor Crook and Jordan Chibnall.
Iden Black Prince ($2.30 fav) was rewarded for his consistency with Malcom Jones driving for his father Mark.
Rohan Hillier increased his driving premiership lead by winning aboard the Rodney Ashwood-trained Stranded Lollipop, the shortest-price favourite of the night at $1.30 after recording his maiden win the start prior.
