Always Bettor (Jordan Chibnall) winning the Sinbad Bay in Launceston on 4 April. Photo by Stacey Lear
Lightly raced Always B Miki gelding Always Bettor will be out to build on his record when he lines up in the $14,000 Harry Holgate Memorial (2200m), a no more than four lifetime wins event in Launceston on Sunday night.
The $18,000 2024 Tasmanian Standardbred Yearling Sale purchase has won three of his six starts, including back-to-back wins at his two recent outings since resuming from a spell.
He won over the 1680m trip in Launceston on 29 March in 1:56.5s, and on Easter Saturday, he claimed the $20,000 Sinbad Bay.
“He has come back good, and I’m really happy with him. He is still doing a few things wrong, but I think, with more racing, he will improve,” said the pacer’s Rowella-based trainer, Paul Carlson.
“He has pulled up well, and I might only give him this run and tip him back out,” said Carlson, who has an eye on some of the bigger three-year-old races later in the season.
“He is doing everything right, and he has worked well during the week.
Carlson said he is on top of some hoof issues with the pacer and that he has also made some gear changes ahead of Sunday’s race.
“He has been getting the bit through his mouth, so I have done a couple of gear changes on him, so hopefully that will be sorted for Sunday.
The pacer has drawn barrier five on Sunday, with Jordan Chibnall, who has been in the sulky for the pacers past two efforts, booked for the drive.
“It’s a smart field (with four last start winners), and if he can get the right run into it, he should be there about.
“There have been a couple of people wanting to buy him, but he is not for sale. We have had plenty of horses over the years, but these types don’t come up much.
Carlson also has Rock Amour engaged in the Victory Images Photography Stakes (2200m).
“He trialled okay on Monday (when second at Carrick), but he has been a bit of a headache. Hopefully, he goes alright on Sunday,” the trainer said.
Sunday’s card also features the Chamfers Star Stakes (2200m), a Free For All event that features several runners from last week’s Easter Cup, including the winner Gordons Bay.
