Custom Harley gives trainer-driver Heath Woods his 100th win in the sulky in Hobart on Friday night. Photo by Chelsea Mathews
Fresh off his 100th winner in the sulky, trainer-driver Heath Woods will be out to make it 101 when he partners Stepping Stones in the Lees Orchard Stakes (2200m) in Launceston on Sunday night.
Woods notched up his 100th win in Hobart on Friday when Custom Harley recorded a dominant 14.6m win in the Woodlands Stud Your Genetic Edge Pace (2090m), on a night that was dominated by the Tammy Langley stable, who trained four of the seven winners.
Custom Harley started the $1.50 favourite had been out of the winners’ list since early December, but had shown a win wasn’t too far away with a second placing in a recent Free For All.
“Things worked out well for him. It was a drop in class, and a few things worked out for him, such as Oh No Never Again not scoring up,” said Woods.
“He was travelling pretty well, and we turned into the back, he was keen to get going and I thought I would just let him roll, and once he hit the front, he pricked his ears and had a look at everything, so I tapped him to keep him going,” the trainer-driver said, who is happy to aim the pacer at suitable races this preparation.
The Woods stable will be chasing a weekend double with two runners, Stepping Stones and The Shallows, engaged in the Lees Orchard Stakes (2200m) on Sunday.
Both horses will start from a 10m handicap in the Discretionary event.
“Brodie (Davis) drove her (Stepping Stones) well last start. Things panned out for her well, and a few of the others did a little bit of work early, so when he made his move, no one was keen to come out in front of him or underneath him, which gave him a clear run into the race.
While Woods will be in the sulky for Stepping Stones, Davis will continue his association with stablemate, The Shallows.
“He is going along as he usually does.
“There is not much between the two of them at the moment on their form, and they both should be thereabouts.
“If they can get away good and be in contact early, and it then turns out to be a true staying test, it should suit them,” said the trainer.
The eight race card commences at 17:27 and will be shown on Tasracing Live and Sky Racing 1.
