Family ties in first Metro win for youngster

They say luck’s a fortune, and Victorian concession harness racing driver Tasmyn Potter admitted that was the key element in recording her first Metropolitan class win at Melton tonight (May 4).

Potter said she picked up the drive on her dad’s horse Skinnydip (Downbytheseaside) in the TAB We’re On Pace only because regular driver Nathan Jack is in Sydney for Group one driving engagements at Menangle.

But the 22-year-old made the most of the opportunity and turned in a gem.

She pushed forward to the front from her awkward barrier seven draw, then handed up to the favorite Shanlou (James Herbertson).  Skinnydip finished hard up the sprint lane to hand the young driver her 25^th career win.

“I was a little bit nervous when they were all inside me, but he kept going to get to the front, and then he was good and settled well,” Potter said.

“He’s been racing really well in front, but behind he is just as good. He is just perfect to drive,” she said.

Skinnydip got home in the last stride to win by a head from Radius (Jackie Barker) and Shanlou.

Trained by astute Shepparton mentor Wayne Potter, the four-year-old is showing plenty of up-side, now with six wins from 11 starts.

But despite her superb work in her first drive on the gelding, Potter’s not expecting to hold the drive.

“No, I don’t think so, I couldn’t do that to Nathan – maybe if we need a concession claim I might keep my drive.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink