Weekend harness racing is again at the state’s two main racing centres, headlined by a huge program in Launceston on Sunday featuring three Group races.
Mark Yole provides his regular thoughts on his drives across Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
Hobart, 29 November
Race 1- Iden Regal Wave (Best of the weekend): A better run last week and has come up with his best draw so far. I want to lead here in this small field as I think he gets a bit lost in behind; in front, he seems to race the other horses better. He gets his chance to win.
Race 2 – Ranieri: Consistent fella. I would think I will drive him with cover and the small field should suit him. With a good trip, he will be finishing off strongly.
Race 3 – Sapphire Gambler: Another who is racing consistently. The draw hurts him big time. I may have to go back early, although I will play it by ear when the gate goes. With a bit of luck, he will be in the mix.
Race 4- Keayang Kevin: A nice run from him last week when leading and going very close. Another one drawn poorly here. However, there appears to be speed on the front line, so he should be hitting the line strongly.
Race 5 – Kiavino Stride: Terrific effort last week. He only knows one way, and that’s doing it tough. The draw is tricky here over the mile, but if I can work into the race at some stage, he should be a great chance.
Race 6 – Kerala Star: His last two runs have been much better, he has got to the line well without much luck. Horrendous draw here, so we may have to play for luck.
Race 7 – My Ultimate Jacko: Quirky little horse. Can run an eye-catching race some weeks then doesn’t do much other weeks. He tends not to be able to do much work early in his races so I will most likely seek cover and hope that he can sprint home well over the final 400m.
Launceston, 1 December
Race 2 – Arden Roanoke: A very good run two starts ago in Hobart, then I thought he was a shade disappointing last week here in Launceston. He draws to get an ideal run on the back of the favourite and likely leader, Indelible. We should get every chance from there.
Race 6 – Keayang Fitzy; At first, I thought he was a bit disappointing in the heat last week because if you had told me he would be in front after 600 metres, I’d have said he would be winning. However, on review he worked very hard to get to that position, and then he probably just got a little outsprinted in the hot third quarter, he still battled on quite well to qualify here for this. From this handicap and draw, I would imagine I will have to drive him much more conservatively and hope that some splits come his way.
