Fast times the order in ‘Tassie’

Fast times were the order of the night at harness racing’s Launceston meeting on Sunday (June 19), with winners breaking the 1m 57s mark in three of the 10 races.

Racketeers Boy (Rocknroll Hanover) became the second quickest horse to win over the 2200m journey when scoring in the 6ty Free For All.

The seven-year-old gelding settled three-back the marker pegs for driver Rohan Hillier before working into the clear around the home turn and sprinting past Lockaway Kacie and Sunny Sanz in the home straight.

The mile rate of 1m 56.5s was only 0.8s outside Go Dancing’s track record from April.

Trainer Troy Hillier indicated that a trip to Victoria is on the cards for the pacer, who surpassed the $100,000 barrier in prize money with the win.

“Conor (Crook) is keen to take him to Victoria. He will probably have another run or two here then head over,” said Troy.

Troy was rapt with the pacer’s win, however, was slightly critical of his brother’s drive.

“If he stayed on the pegs, he would have broken the track record,” said Troy, who was well into the post-race celebrations.

Westbury trainer Michael Laugher has returned to Tasmania after a successful few months in Victoria.

He was quick to find the winners list when Believe In Forever (Rock N Roll Heaven) overcame barrier five off the second row in the Rare Earth Stakes over 1680m.

Reinsman Liam Older was able to get a lovely cart into the race on the sit sprint specialist, with the gelding racing up to his good recent form in Victoria.

The mile rate of 1m 55.8s was a new personal best for the winner of 16 races.

Another pacer to record a new personal best was Art Major gelding Guido Sa Siena in the Tasmanian Horse Transport Pace in 1m 56.0s.

Reinswoman Jordan Chibnall had the late pick-up drive on the gelding, who showed good gate speed before taking cover in a solid 27.7s first quarter, and working into the clear around the home turn to run down a brave Bridwood Bella late.

The win was one of five on the night for the Ben Yole Stable, who also scored with Velocity Stride, Stylish Trend and Arden Roanoke, while Machavelli gave the stable interstate success at Cranbourne.

For complete race results, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing