Trainer Juanita McKenzie has her sights set on the upcoming Tassie Golden Apple with Waves Of Chance ($3.40) following his all-the-way win in the Typeface Pace (2090m) at Hobart’s Ladbrokes Park Elwick on Sunday afternoon.
Driven by Mark Yole, the five-year-old gelded son of Downbytheseaside produced his blistering gate speed to lead, and after a solid 33.7s lead time, Yole was able to tap the brakes with a 31.7s first quarter. Before running quarters of 30.3s, 28.2s and 29.3s on their way to a 15.2m victory over Bettablack Tiger ($6), with The Shallows ($5.50) a further 0.5m away third.
McKenzie said the pacer had been consistent in recent starts but admitted she had some reservations following the quick early tempo.
“I know he’s been consistent, running placings in some good races, but I didn’t expect him to be able to finish off and win as well as what he did after that quick lead time,” McKenzie said.
“Mark just knows how to rate him so well in front. It was a good drive.”
McKenzie was delighted for well-known owner Mick Boots, whose Boots Properties Racing Pty Ltd races the gelding.
“He’s such a good owner,” she said.
The trainer is now considering the Tassie Golden Apple, with heats in Launceston this Sunday ahead of the final on 29 November.
“He’s not 100% safe from a stand, but he will get 10 metres. I feel like he’s better when he follows the others out,” McKenzie said.
The win was the middle leg of a driving treble for Yole, who partnered Jilliby Worpa ($1.24 fav) to a dominant 26m victory in the Woodlands Stud Your Genetic Edge Pace (2090m).
Yole completed his treble aboard another three-year-old, Where It Began ($1.60 fav), who led throughout for trainer Steve Lukac in the Ladbrokes Odds Surge Pace (2090m).
Trainer Chris Howlett and driver Ethan Arnott bookended the eight-race program, with Kooky ($1.40 fav) taking out the opener before Snowiewillrev ($4.40 eq. Fav) proved too slick for his rivals with a 13.5m win in the final race.
Luke Alcorn lifted John Vincent ($2.90 fav) to a short half-head victory in race two, while Rocknroll Mcrae ($2.10 fav) overcame barrier seven to lead throughout in race three, recording his second career win at start 18.
Tarn Ford continued her good recent form, partnering My Beautiful Life ($2.60) to a 10.5m win in race seven, with the daughter of For A Reason recording her fourth career victory.
The Tasmanian Trotting Club races again on Friday night, with up to eight heats of the Dynamo for horses rated no higher than 75, over 1609m, with fields restricted to eight runners.
The meeting will also feature the time-honoured Blue Bonnet for two-year-old fillies.
