Huli Nien chases another Launceston sprint feature

After coming from last to win last year’s Golden Mile, the Troy Hillier-trained and driven Huli Nien (Rock N Roll Heaven) will be looking to claim the Launceston Pacing Club’s other premier harness racing sprint race, the Ladbrokes Launceston Mile (1680m), on Sunday night.

The gelding is resuming from a spell in the $20,000 event.

“When I got him, John (Justice, previous trainer) said he needed a break, and I didn’t worry about it, and I think he did.

“He has come back really good. He trialled well, and I think he is working well enough,” Hillier said.

That trial win was at Carrick Park on 27 April, where he led all the way to demolish lower national rating rivals by 39.2m, running a mile rate for 2150m of 2:02.4s, with his last two quarters in 29.6s and 28.8s.

“I thought Magician may have trialled. That’s half the reason I went. I almost stayed home (and not trial), but it is what it is,” the trainer-driver said.

Hillier acknowledged the depth of the second line in the race, which includes Miss Papenhuyzen, Nyack, The Shallows, Mickey Oh, and Magician.

“I think he should get a run into it following a few of them off the second line. I reckon it (the speed) will be on the whole way, well I hope it is anyway.

“He is quick, and he loves a mile. I don’t think he gets 2100m that great,” Hillier said.

The trainer also has Last Of The Mohicans engaged in the night’s final race with Victorian driver Jordan Chibnall booked for the drive.

The seven-time winner had some health issues last start, but the trainer believes that is now behind him.

“At his best, I don’t think he is that far away from Royal Appointment (drawn the pole), but he is a tricky horse. He is supposed to be better than them as I paid enough for him,” laughed Hillier.

Meanwhile, some wagering service providers have opened an All In market on the Beautide in Hobart on 3 August (date subject to Sky Racing approval). The winner will have the opportunity to secure Tasracing’s Slot in the TAB Eureka at Menangle on 7 September.

De Goey, who was placed in last year’s Beautide, is the favourite at $2.50 from the Jess Tubbs-trained Tasbred three-year-old Fighter Command, who has won four of his seven starts on the second line of betting at $3.

Others under the $20 quote include $3.20 Nyack, $6 Hazewillrev, $7.50 Dukes Choice and $13 Smooth Machete.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing