South Australian trainer-driver Luke Alcorn is currently testing the waters in Tasmania, and he has wasted little time making an impact.
Alcorn is temporarily based at Oatlands in Tasmania’s southern midlands with trainer Steve Lukac.
Both trainers prepare horses for businessman Greg West, who races horses in several states and New Zealand, and he is considering setting up a more permanent base in Tasmania.
“I’ve been training for Greg for over 30 years, and he just said, ‘Why don’t you go to Tassie and have a look?’” Alcorn said.
“The prize money here is not that bad, so I have just come over at the moment, and I’m staying with Steve.”
Alcorn said West had been looking at possible properties in the south, at Brighton, and in the north, near Carrick.
“If I am to stay here, I want to be at either end of the state.
The move for Alcorn already produced a winner, with Boulder City scoring in Launceston last Sunday, and the 10-year-old will chase back-to-back wins in the opening race on Friday night at the same venue, in a 50 to 54 rating event over 1680m.
Boulder City, who had a stint in Tasmania with Lukac, returned to the state after racing in South Australia in recent times, and was third in Launceston on 29 May before winning over 1680m last Sunday.
Alcorn said the pacer’s first Tasmanian run was needed after the trip across Bass Strait.
“I let him get away from me a little bit on purpose, because when he came over on the ferry I thought it might knock a bit of weight off him, but it didn’t.
“He has got a good chance again Friday night, but I have just been waiting for him to draw the front, because he is a better horse from the front.”
Boulder City has again drawn the second row, with five-point concession driver Grace Jones retaining the drive after partnering him to victory last week.
“She has done a very good job. She did everything asked of her,” Alcorn said.
Alcorn said the race shape would again be important from the second row.
“It is another one of those traffic things. It depends if he gets held up or how many come in front of him.”
Alcorn also drives Shoobees Spirit for the Lukac stable in race six.
The gelding finished ninth last start after being left outside the leader.
“That’s not his style. He fell victim to circumstances.
“We came out to try and get a position, and then we were one-one before the horse we were following worked to the lead.
“He is ready to run a better race again. He just needs a bit of luck.
Friday’s six-race program commences at 17:02.
