Swiatek Leis rewrote the record books when claiming the Group 3 Ladbrokes Granny Smith Final (2698m) in Launceston on Sunday night.
The daughter of Vincent, who is owned and bred by Smithton-based owner-breeders Trevor and Marjorie Leis, became the first horse to win a Tasbred final at two, three and four years of age.
From barrier three, trainer-driver Todd Rattray had the mare outside the leader before rolling to the lead near the 2200m.
Swiatek Leis ($2.20 fav) raced away from her rivals near the 300m, and although the margin was reduced late, she was able to record a 4.2m win over Chenin Beach ($8), with Le Betty ($15) a further 4.5m away third in a mile rate of 2:00.4s.
“It was really good. She is obviously a bit of a handful, so to win those races for Trevor and Marjorie (Leis) is a huge effort,” said Rattray.
“To be honest, I didn’t want to go to the front as I thought she would switch off too much, but she was pretty good tonight and found the line okay.”
Rattray indicated the $80,000 Beautide in Hobart on Saturday week was on the agenda for the mare, with the winner of the Beautide securing Tasracing’s slot in the $2.1m Tab Eureka at Menangle in September.
“I will have to talk to Trevor and see what he thinks, but that would be my plan. She has the ability, whether her manners are right, we will wait and see.
Cuzzy Bro claims Raider Stakes
Former Tasmanian, now Victorian-based trainer Kristy Butler made a triumphant return to Tasmania when Cuzzy Bro ($3.20) claimed the Group 3 Tasfreight Raider Stakes (2698m).
Driver Rohan Hillier had the Ultimate Machete gelding positioned in the one-one for the final 1700m of the race before dashing away in the home straight to record a 7.4m win over Do It ($1.60 fav) and Vincenzo ($12).
“He had the favours tonight, the favourite had to do a bit of work off the gate to find the top, and we got a good run into it,” said Kristy’s husband, and stable representative, Marc Butler.
“He has been going good back home, he won before he came down here, going 1:54.0s (at Bendigo), then we had no luck in the prelude.
“He is staying for the Beautide, Kristy had to stay home and work with the others, so we will swap over this time,” explained Marc.
The Butler’s left Tasmania for a better work-life balance in last October and have set up base at Kyabram.
“Things are going good. We are slowly picking up business, and Kristy’s cryo business is kicking off, so everything is going good,” said Marc.
Mitch makes Darrel Rockliff Graduate his own
Sunday night marked the second running of the Darrel Rockliff Graduate, and driver Mitch Ford has a 100% winning record in the race.
He partnered the Wayne Yole-trained Watermelon Sugar to victory in this year’s race.
The Sweet Lou gelding had a lovely run in front before dashing home in 27.6s and 26.6s to record a 4.3m win.
