Broadmarsh trainer Chris Howlett has two interstate two-year-olds engaged in the second round of the Fehlbergs Produce Sweepstakes heats (1609m) at Hobart’s Ladbrokes Park Elwick on Sunday afternoon.
Estella Herge lines up in the second heat of the fillies division, while Clayton contests the colts and geldings heat, with Alex Ashwood to drive both horses.
The pair have been in Tasmania for around three weeks after having a short freshen-up before making the trip south.
“We knew a few weeks ago that they were coming, and the plan was to give them a trial and then into the second heats.
“They had a bit of a freshen-up before they came down, so it has been an ideal preparation really,” said Howlett.
Estella Herge has raced five times in New South Wales for one win and one placing.
The daughter of Tintin In America finished fourth in the $200,000 Nutrien Classic Sale Final at Wagga on 30 May, before breaking her maiden status at the same track on 26 June in a 1:54.8s mile rate.
“She’s quite a nice little filly, and I don’t think the fillies are quite as strong this year as what the colts are.
“She probably picked a good time to come down for it.
“She had a good little trial, and she’s worked well since,” said Howlett.
Estella Herge has drawn barrier three in the seven-horse heat.
Clayton has raced twice for two second placings, both behind Cardigan Sniper in Victoria.
The Captaintreacherous colt was beaten 4.3m at Kilmore on debut on 18 June, before finishing 5.5m from Cardigan Sniper in a $100,000 APG 2YO Colts and Geldings event at Melton nine days later.
“He’s run second to Cardigan Sniper twice, and he’s a very nice horse.
“He’s a pretty impressive-looking sort of horse. He probably hasn’t got a lot of high speed, but he can stick pretty good.
“He’s still a bit immature, and the trip away should do him good, and he’s going to make a really nice horse,” said Howlett.
Clayton has drawn barrier five in the six-horse heat, with Howlett believing a genuine tempo will suit the colt.
“If they run along, that will suit him.
“He’s probably going to be a better three-year-old. He’s a beautiful stallion and very placid for a young horse. He doesn’t worry about anything,” he said.
The Finals of both Sweepstakes will be held at Ladbrokes Park Elwick on 16 August, with the meeting also featuring the Tasmanian Derby, Tasmanian Oaks and Metropolitan Cup.
Sunday’s seven-race card will be shown on Sky Racing 1 and Tasracing Live, with the first race scheduled for 12:42.
