Kent Rattray will make the trip from his north-eastern base at Lietinna to Hobart on Sunday night, confident his two runners can be competitive “despite striking strong races.”
Rattray has Colby Sanz (pictured) in the Fehlbergs Produce Sprint Lane Pace (2090m), with John Walters to take the drive from inside of the second row.
The nine-year-old gelding has been in the top three placings in eight of his last 10 starts, and was only defeated a half-head in 1:65.1s in Launceston last start.
“It is a strong race (on Sunday), but he did a good job from a similar draw last start, and if he gets that, I think he can run first four,” Rattray said.
“The races next week in Launceston don’t suit those horses that have a few wins, so I decided to go to Hobart this week.
“He has been very consistent this season. He has won two races, but he has also run seven seconds this year.
Colby Sanz has been a model of consistency, with Sunday’s assignment coming against a handy field that includes Barber Shop, Shes Allaboutluv and Smooth Reason, a winner of six races, and is second-up from a spell.
Rattray will also be represented by Rockandahardplace in the Woodlands Stud Your Genetic Edge Pace, a 2579m standing start event for the open class pacers.
The nine-year-old gelded son of Pet Rock was a Launceston winner three starts ago, was placed in a 2200m Discretionary two runs back, before finishing down the track behind Triedtotellya in the Launceston Mile last week.
“He has been running well, he has been racing against some good horses in those better races, and he doesn’t disgrace himself,” Rattray said.
“The stand suits him better this week, and I know Johnny (Walters) likes him drawn a fraction wider to get him away instead of drawing barriers one or two.
“So hopefully he steps well, and he did beat the likely favourite, The Shallows, home last Sunday in the Launceston Mile.
Rockandahardplace will begin from the front line, while The Shallows will start from the 10-metre handicap in a race that has a mix of up-and-coming and seasoned Free For All pacers.
The Hobart meeting starts at 17:17 and will be shown on TasracingTV and Sky Racing 1.
