Barnes duo hit the record books

Tasmanian harness racing trainer Shelley Barnes has been spending a lot of time in the winner's circle of late and given the efforts of her small team the juggernaut looks set to continue.

Barnes snared a double in Devonport on Sunday night and both of her winners rewrote the record books.

Her talented five-year-old mare Angel or Demon won the Hyland Harness Colours Pace (C5-C7) over 2297 metres and set a mile rate record of 1.58.4 that shattered the previous best held by Hugo of 1.59.3 that he set in March 2013.

If that wasn't enough for the Sassafras-based mentor her six-year-old gelding Chief Destroyer powered his way to an impressive win in the Brian Hopkins Patrons Marathon (2645m) clocking a mile rate of 2.03 to equal Dontfencemein's effort that he set in February 2009.

Angel or Demon was up against the heavily backed Victorian mare Starzzz of Icon from the Adam Kelly stable that had no trouble leading from gate two.

But despite having to face the breeze for the entire journey Barnes' mare was able to forge clear of Starzzz of Icon over the concluding stages to win comfortably.

It was Angel or Demon's fourth win in succession which has her unbeaten this preparation.

Chief Destroyer's win was clearly a career-best effort as he galloped away from the pole position of the standing start event and ended by last and at least 30 metres from the leader for the first two laps.

Driver Paul Ashwood gradually got him into the race and tacked onto the main bunch at the bell.