Likeyouforareason (Christian Salter) winning on debut in Launceston. Photo by Stacey Lear
Promising colt Likeyouforareason will have his first start as a three-year-old when he lines up in the second race in Hobart on Friday night.
Trainer Christian Salter has given the son of For A Reason two trials in preparation for his return, winning both, including his most recent by 20.3 metres in Hobart on 13 April.
On that occasion, Rodney Ashwood took the reins, with the pacer leading throughout from the pole draw to score in a mile rate of 2:02.5, with a last half of 56.6 seconds.
Salter will take the drive on Friday night, having partnered the colt to victory on debut in September.
Likeyouforareason was beaten 7.4 metres at his most recent start in the Group 3 Dandy Patch, although that effort had merit, and he was subsequently disqualified by stewards.
His first-up assignment in a no more than three lifetime win pace over 2090m presents a solid test, with fellow three-year-old Barber Shop also resuming. The gelded son of Lather Up finished second in the Sinbad Bay in Launceston when first up this campaign and has since been runner-up again at his most recent outing, and looks close to a win.
From a favourable draw, Likeyouforareason looks well placed, and with his recent trial form suggesting he has returned in good order.
Salter will also be represented by Iden Oliver in the Smith Awards Pace (1609m).
The Sportswriter gelding won three starts ago and has since placed at his past two starts. He faces a tougher task on Friday night from a wide front row draw.
The meeting marks the final Friday night fixture in Hobart for the remainder of the financial year, with Tasmanian Trotting Club meetings scheduled for Sunday twilight timeslots.
The opening race is for two-year-olds with no more than one win over 1609m, where impressive debut winner Stable Talk is expected to start favourite for trainer-driver Rodney Ashwood.
It is scheduled for 17:27, with the meeting to be broadcast on Sky Racing 2.
