Interstate-trained pacers dominated the two heats of the Ladbrokes Easter Cup (2698m) in Launceston on Sunday night.
Victorian trainer Dean Braun kept his unbeaten record in the state this season intact when Melanion ($5 eq. Fav) scored in the second heat.
The six-year-old Bettors Delight gelding was having his first start from the Braun stable after being purchased by some of his stable clients.
Driver Rodney Ashwood got the pacer away slowly but safely from his front-row handicap and settled back in the field before proving too quick for his rivals in the home straight.
“It was a good run. He got away slowly, and all the horses got up inside him.
“Dean said not to knock him about too much early and let him run home his last 400m, and he got home pretty good.
“He has only had him a week, and he is still trying to sort him out. He only got on the boat on Wednesday and has been here three or four days,” driver Rodney Ashwood explained.
Ashwood was unsure about driving arrangements for the final after also qualifying Cool Water Paddy for the final in heat one.
Melanion won by two meters over Miss Papenhuyzen ($5 eq. Fav) and Gordons Bay ($5 eq. Fav) in a mile rate of 2:02.8s.
The James Rattray-trained Star Major won the opening heat of the series ($1.60 fav).
Driver Gareth Rattray led the one-wide line and raced outside the leader from the 1300m.
He won by nine meters over All By Myself ($9) and Cool Water Paddy ($16) in the quickest mile rate of the two heats in 2:01.6s.
Local stars Magician and Mickey Oh will miss the final.
Magician got cast in his box on race morning, with trainer Todd Rattray not risking his star pacer, while Mickey Oh was declared a non-runner in his heat.
The final will be held in Launceston on Saturday night.
