Liam Older is happy with the way things are picking up since returning to Tasmania after a stint in Victoria, and the junior driver was in fine form again in Hobart on Friday night with a winning double.
Older’s wins both came from the Todd Rattray stable, including Jilliby Randall ($3.30), who broke through for his maiden win in a 2090m event.
The Sweet Lou gelding was placed in two Victorian starts before being purchased by a group of Tasmanian interests, but his manners hadn’t been good, galloping in two starts. However, on Friday, he did everything right to lead all the way and win by 22.2m in 1:59.1s.
“He was impressive. We are happy he finally did everything right, and he showed us what he can do,” said Older post-race.
“A few gear changes sorted him out, but he is still a work in progress. He is not yet the finished product, and hopefully, he will develop into a nice enough horse in the future.
Always Be Miki gelding Morris Brown ($5) ended the double for Rattray and Older when claiming the Downbytheseaside Standing @ Woodlands Stud Pace (2090m).
“He was a handy win.
“It was good for Lachlan Dakin (the gelding’s owner and regular driver). He does the early morning shift out here with us at Todd’s, and he had work commitments, but he was happy for me to jump on.”
Older returned to Tasmania several months ago, and is now fifth on the Tasmanian Junior Drivers Premiership with 14 wins and 21 minor placings.
“It is picking up a bit now, we are just ticking along and picking up some money.
Older has eight drives in Launceston on Sunday night, seven of which are for leading trainer Wayne Yole.
Yole extended his trainers premiership lead with a winning treble on the Hobart card, including Sapphire Gamble ($3.30 fav) and Modern Jive ($6), who were both driven by Mitch Ford, while Mark Yole drove Wayne’s other winner, Rock On Playboy ($31).
