After a long-shot win in Launceston two starts ago, Racketeers Boy will be chasing his second win of the season in the Lee’s Orchard Stakes (2200m) on Sunday night in Launceston.
The nine-year-old gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover ended a winning drought when victorious at $71 on 17 March. Trainer Troy Hillier was not totally surprised with the win, as punters were.
“A few of the owners were happy with the price.
“He had been going alright, but they had been running fast times and hadn’t been far away. He had just been running seventh and eighth, but when he won, we thought we would run him out of the gate and see how he went,” said Hillier.
The gelding raced outside the leader in the 1680m event, where they ran 1:57.3s.
“I think he is a horse that likes to be on the speed,” the trainer added.
Since the win, Racketeers Boy finished down the track in a race in Launceston on 24 March after starting from the second row.
“I thought he was a bit ordinary, but he did get his tongue over the bit.
“He worked well on Wednesday, and if he can hold the front, he will be hard to beat,” said the trainer and part-owner.
Hillier has given driving responsibilities to Gareth Rattray, who drove the pacer to his most recent win.
“Some of the owners don’t want me on, so I thought Gareth would suit with his left hand to mix things up,” Hillier said.
Hillier also part-owned and bred Miss Papenhuyzen, one of the main dangers.
“She looks the hardest to beat. She went away bad (in the standing start) and was too far back (in the Easter Cup),” said Troy.
Sunday’s nine-race card commences at 17:20. The opening race will be shown on Sky Racing 2, and the remaining races will be shown on Sky Racing 1.
All races will be shown on TasracingTV.
