Six-year-old Pet Rock gelding Arma Rolling Stone ($2.60 fav) is giving his King Island-based owners plenty to cheer about, after he claimed his second win in a row in the Wright Valuers Pace (1609m) on Friday night in Hobart.
Arma Rolling Stone started his racing career in southern New South Wales before relocating to northern New South Wales. He was then purchased for the previous King Island season, during which he won two races. His connections subsequently sent him to mainland Tasmania at the end of the last season.
From barrier seven, driver Mitch Ford put the foot down, and like his last start win in Launceston, he allowed the pacer to bowl along in quarters of 28.4s, 29.5s, 28.8s, and 30.0s, with the mile recorded in 1:56.7s. Arma Rolling Stone defeated Yuruga Lass ($6) by 17m, which was less than his 28.5m victory two starts ago.
“That’s how you have got to drive him, he is just one-paced” said trainer Clayton Miller.
“He is a great horse to have around the place. He has got a beautiful temperament, and my family loves working with him.
“I’m glad for his owners on King Island, they get a good thrill out of him winning.”
Several owners of Arma Rolling Stone are part-owners of this year’s King Island Cup winner, Cambro Flash, who, after the cancellation of this season’s King Island season, was sent to Miller’s stable this week.
The win of Arma Rolling Stone completed a double for the Miller stable, with Wind Sock ($2.80, who was driven by Clayton’s daughter Bronte), also recorded back-to-back wins earlier in the night.
“Bob Graham (owner of Syzate) recommended me to the owners, and they sent him down to me, and I think he can win a few more races. The owners have a couple of Tasbred horses that they are looking at sending over,” Clayton said.
Also recording doubles on the card were north-west coast-based trainer Geoff Smith and driver Brodie Davis, who combined to win with Horrie Otara ($1.90 fav) and Chris Be Quick ($2.50 fav).
Wayne Yole took his season total to 99, with a training double on the program, with Montgomery Burns ($5) and Kiavino Stride ($3.60) both scoring.
