My Watchlist returns from 5 month break to win

Six-year-old My Watchlist (He’s Watching) arrived in WA from New Zealand two and a half years ago, and he was making only his 16TH harness racing appearance in the State when he lined up out wide at barrier seven in the $23,000 TABtouch Past the Post Payouts Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

This was his first start for five months, and the $4.60 chance impressed when Gary Hall jnr brought him home from eighth at the bell to win from the pacemaker and $2.05 favourite Hi Sugar Rush, rating 1.57 after final quarters of 28sec. and 28.4sec.

His frequent absences were the result of troublesome feet — and credit is due to trainer Gary Hall snr who produced the gelding in fine fettle.

“Senior was very keen about his prospects,” said Hall jnr. “He has been raving on about the way the horse has been working. My Watchlist has always been a brilliant trackworker, but I didn’t get too carried away by my father’s optimism.”

MY WATCHLIST REPLAY

Hall jnr was content to keep My Watclist at the rear until he sent the gelding forward, three wide, 600m from home.

“I saw Emily (Suvaljko) was working pretty hard with Hi Sugar Rush on the home bend, and I knew My Watchlist would keep coming,” said Hall. “He had done a fair bit of work behind the scenes.”

My Watchlist is by American sire Hes Watching and is the third foal out of Donnamach (16 starts for two wins, two placings and $10,582). A winner at two of his five New Zealand starts, My Watchlist has now had 16 starts in WA for five wins and five placings, taking his career earnings to $72,925.

For complete race results, click here.

by Ken Casellas, for Gloucester Park