Harjeet returns ahead of Tassie Cup

Former Easter and Hobart Cup winner Harjeet (Rocknroll Hanover) returns to the harness racing track in Sunday (Feb 19) night’s feature in Hobart, the Cavalor Equicare Elite Free For All.

Harjeet, the winner of 23 races from 50 starts, hasn’t raced since finishing second to Ryley Major in Launceston on 6 November.

“He had a slight setback, but he has been good since,” said his trainer-driver Todd Rattray.

The now nine-year-old gelding won a standing start trial at Carrick Park on Monday night.

“He trialled ok the other day, and he did it very easy in slow time. I think we just have to get the racing into him now.

Rattray was quick to acknowledge the depth of Sunday night’s field.

“It’s a very good field, the draw doesn’t help, and the mile probably doesn’t help him,” he said.

The race features a strong local contingent, including past Tasmania Cup winner The Shallows, Ryley Major, who has never missed a top-three finish in 32 starts on the Hobart circuit, state mile record holder Sunny Sanz and last start Toreace Flying Mile winner Be Major Threat.

Also returning to the state is Rackemup Tigerpie for visiting Victorian trainer Ian Stanley.

The gelding won a heat of the Tasmania Cup last year before finishing sixth in the final.

The first heat of the Group 1 Tasmania Cup is two weeks away, with the second and final heat scheduled for 10 March, before the $150,000 Group 1 Final on Saturday night, 19 March. The card also includes the George Johnson Final, LHT Cup Final, Henry Pullen Memorial Final, Eric Reece Memorial Final, Sinbad Bay Final and the Jane Ellen Final on a mammoth night of racing.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing