Two-prong attack for Rattray

Magician (Sweet Lou) continues his harness racing preparation for the upcoming Raider Stakes and Beautide when he contests the Great Northern Super Crisp Discretionary on Sunday night in Launceston.

The 2200m event is worth $20,000 and is topped up to be more than a regular open-class race following the Launceston Pacing Club’s decision to decrease stakes money on this year’s Easter Cup.

Magician, a four-year-old gelded son of Sweet Lou, has won seven of his 14 starts including an 18.2m win on 28 May, where he led from barrier seven to score in a last half mile of 56.6s.

“He has done a good job (this preparation), and we are very happy with him. He has just started learning how to race,” said trainer-driver Todd Rattray.

“I think it’s hard that he is off 10 metres, he has only had 14 starts and they must think he goes alright too.

“I still think he is going to get better. I think he goes better with a sit,” Rattray said.

Also starting on the 10-metre line is stablemate Boom, who will be driven by Todd’s brother Gareth.

The six-year-old gelding was a Hobart winner two starts ago and was third when involved in a three-way photo at the same venue last week.

“His improved a bit his last couple.

“He looked the winner a couple of times and got held up a bit (last start), but he got home good, which was pleasing,” said Todd.

Rattray also has a two-prong attack in the night’s other feature race, the Max McCormack, which is restricted to horses three-years-old and older with $10,000 or less in stakes money.

Tood takes the rein on debutante Not Yet Mum, who has drawn barrier two.

“He does have some ability, but he isn’t a clean pacer. He will improve with more racing,” he said.

Todd has also called upon Gareth’s services to take the reigns on All About Ivy, who finished hard on the back of the placegetters when fourth on debut.

“She was good, and hopefully, she finishes closer with a bit more luck,” the trainer said.

Sunday’s 10-race card commences at 17:05.