Spell works wonders for Mighty Joe

Grenfell-trained harness racing pacer Mighty Joe (Roll With Joe) has been taking all before him over the past few weeks.

Trained by Mark Hewitt and owned by long-standing Western Districts and Parkes Harness Racing Club President Geoff Cole, the gelding is unbeaten in three starts since returning from a spell.

And all of his three wins have been dominant.

After showing that he was ready to do something special with a slashing trial at Parkes on December 6,  the six-year-old  won first-up at Bathurst, scoring by a healthy margin and rating a fast 1.54.6 mile rate.

Then, on New Year’s Eve at the Parkes Carnival of Cups, Mighty Joe rated 1.56.7 to win the Langlands Hanlon Cup and backed up four nights later at Parkes’ Elvis meeting to complete his hat-trick.

Always recognised as being a handy performer, Mighty Joe appears to have gone to another level which has pleased his trainer, who is now considering taking on metropolitan racing with him.

“The horse has simply come back much better from his spell,” said Hewitt.

“I took him to Parkes for hit-out at the start of December and he trialled really well which proved to me that what he was doing in trackwork was the real deal.

“The most satisfying part for me has been seeing the joy that Geoff has gained from his wins, especially the two at Parkes.

“Geoff has given so much of his time and effort to the industry’s administration, so it is pleasing for me to be part of the rewards he is gaining.

“It is likely that his next start will be in Saturday night’s Temora Cup and if all goes well, I will look to give him a shot at a race in town.

“I know that will be another big step for him to take, but the way he is going I feel that he has what it takes.”

Bathurst returns to its regular timeslot tonight and will start building momentum towards its Gold Crown carnival, which kicks off on March 15.

While tonight’s eight-race program is not littered with stars, it is a well-balanced program.

Tin Tin Jo will start a short-priced favourite in the opening event for Amanda Turnbull following her dominant win at Parkes last start while Modern Power (Nathan Turnbull) is also quoted at short odds to win Race 2.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW