All apples for Fords

Four-year-old gelding Hes Apples (Always B Miki) recorded his fourth win of the harness racing season with a tough victory in the Intersport Hobart Pace in Hobart on Friday night.

After racing three wide early, Ford had to push on to race outside the leader from the mile.

“I thought I was in a bit of trouble when I couldn’t get round and park him up, but he was tough to the line,” said Ford post-race.

The gelding raced away to score by 5.6m from Soulwriter ($8.50) and a half-head to Cliffhanger ($8.50) in a mile rate of 1:59.9s.

“I got going early (at the 600m) as he isn’t that speedy, but he keeps battling on,” said the driver.

It was a family affair with the winner trained by her brother Dylan and owned by their mum Tammy Langley.

“It was a big thrill to drive my first winner for Dylan. It will keep him happy,” said Tiarna.

Driver Jacob Duggan warmed up for Sunday night’s Youngbloods Challenge, winning aboard $17 chance The Democrat in the opening race.

The now nine-year-old gelding raced just worse than midfield before improving into the race from the 600m to record a 1.5m win in what was one of five training wins for Ben Yole, who also prepared Justify ($2.40 fav), Cardinal Sin ($5.00), Cinocal Jamane ($11) and Beast Mode ($2.20 fav).

In the Cavalor Equicare Pace (2090m), four-year-old gelding Sharkattack continued on his good recent form, winning his third race in his past six starts for the Rodney Ashwood and Ricky Duggan combination.

Mark Yole and Paul Hill will combine with Reely Nauti, a leading contender in the Group 3 Bandbox in Launceston on Sunday, and they were in the winner’s list with Areyawatchingthis who broke her maiden status when leading all the way to win the Prydes Easifeed Pace (2090m).

For complete race results, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing