Horatius Speculo will head to this Sunday’s Tasmanian Derby in Hobart in winning form, after claiming the Nutrien Ag Supplies Pace (2200m) in Launceston on Sunday night.
The Art Major colt was sent out the $1.45 fav and made the most of his pole draw to lead, and responded when asked by driver Dylan Ford in the home straight to score by 6.2m to defeat Miss Collann ($5.50) and Rocks Roy ($8) in 1:59.4s.
It was the pacer’s fourth win at his eighth career start, and was his second try at 2200m.
“To see out that trip was a bit of a query, he has raced at 2090m, but 2200m is just that little bit further for these three-year-olds, and he saw it out strong,” said Ford about the Tammy Langley-trained pacer.
Horatius Speculo has been first past the post at his last three starts, but lost the race on 15 August after a protest.
“In all honesty, he should be undefeated in my opinion. He has had a lot go wrong with his manners, and a couple of incidents haven’t suited him.
“All going well, he will go to the Derby.”
The Tasmanian Derby will be held in Hobart on Sunday night, along with the Tasmanian Oaks and David Medhurst Memorial, with the Derby to be run over 2579m.
“It (the distance) is a query for all of them, really, as they haven’t raced over it. He will acquit himself well, driven conservatively. In saying that, I don’t think it will be an issue for him, but you never know till you race over it,” said Ford.
Earlier in the night, and despite winning at $61 at his most recent start, 10-year-old gelding, Racketeers Boy made it back-to-back wins when scoring in the second race at $17, and was the first leg of a double for driver Brodie Davis, who scored later in the night with Kostyuk Leis ($2.45 fav).
Jordan Chibnall and Conor Crook teamed up for a double with Glenledi Elvis ($5.50), who survived a double protest, with Judith Gwenda ($4.40) winning later in the night.
Hall Of Fame reinsman Gareth Rattray also recorded a double with Maddis Tiger ($7.00) and Fleetwood Rock ($9.50). Fleetwood Rock completed a training double for Wayne Yole, who prepared the first race winner, Taking A Punt ($4.80)
