The Leigh Rand-trained Muzzame Mate will be eyeing off a winning hat-trick when he takes to the track in a national rating 58 to 64 event over 2090m in Hobart on Sunday.
Muzzame Mate, a six-year-old gelded son of Betting Line, has won five of his 35 starts, including at his last two efforts in Launceston, where he has led the one-wide line on both occasions over the 1680m trip to win in a mile rate of 1:57.2s two runs back, before a 1:54.8s victory last Sunday.
“He is a horse that can run along at speed, and the quicker they go, the better he goes.
“It was his fastest time (last start), and we were really happy with the way he pulled up after the run,” said Rand.
The gelding has drawn barrier two, and is eligible for the race courtesy of the five-point concession claim for driver Jack Watson.
“Drawn two, he has his spot in the running line. He has drawn one with him a few times. It’s not really to his advantage because he hasn’t got a lot of gate speed, so I prefer it when he draws two or wider, when he can work forward.
Rand said the stable had worked through soundness and management issues with Muzzame Mate, and believes he is now getting back to the promise he showed early.
He is also keen to get the gelding qualified from a stand, with several summer options in mind.
“He isn’t the best track worker, but at home, we have given him some practice at standing, and he handles it well.”
The Rand stable also has Omybacnknees Judge engaged in the fifth race for the maidens over 2090m.
Todd Rattray will take the drive on the pacer, who has drawn barrier one.
The Lennytheshark gelding loomed into contention before galloping in the home straight in Launceston last week.
“We are hoping to get a win with him and then give him a break because I think he will develop into a really nice horse as a four-year-old,” said the trainer.
The eight-race Hobart card also features the Hobart Belmont, a combined two and three-year-old event for the maiden fillies. The first race is scheduled for 16:33, which will be shown on Sky Racing 2, with the remaining seven races on Sky Racing 1.
