Baldivis based trainer has Busselton Cup in his sights

Baldivis based harness racing trainer Jason Woodworth is aiming for a repeat of the 2021 Busselton Cup, hoping to take out this year’s feature with his recent acquisition, Hi Tommy (Highview Tommy).

“It’s a thrill to have Tiza (Tiza New Day) win the cup two years ago and now have a live chance in Tom Tom to try and make it two cups.”

Purchased by the Woodworth family just a few months ago, Hi Tommy has now had six starts for his new connections, for four wins and two placings, with next week’s Busselton Cup their next challenge.

“The aim for him after Collie’s win was to try win enough (races) to get in the cup, which last night’s win gets him to the right level to get a start, so we are stoked to have him in the cup next week,”

“I think he can go close in the cup if he can find the front.” Woodworth mentioned.

The lightly raced four-year-old started off the front-line handicap last night at Busselton in the third race on the card over the 2030m trip, and with his brilliant manners in the stand, it saw driver Hayden Hancock get him away safely to lead all the way, kicking away to win by 11.5m in 2:04:8.

HI TOMMY REPLAY

“Credit has to go to Luke and the old man Cliffy as we are a team, so can’t wait until next week.”

Hi Tommy has now had 17 starts, for five wins and two placings, with stakes just shy of $22,000, with the Woodworth family hopeful they can add the $14,700 to their purse next week, with the Cup set over the 2680m journey.

When asked if the step up in distance is a worry, Woodworth remarked “It shouldn’t worry him, he likes to roll along.”

It wasn’t just a night for Hi Tommy and Jason Woodworth, with bragging rights also going the way of his son Toby, who continues his success in the pony trots with a win on board trusty steed, I’m The Mighty Middy.

Hayden Hancock walked away from Busselton with a driving treble, with wins on board Hi Tommy, Hope and Follow The Music. Hope, who has been racing in career best form currently leads the way in the Sweetheart series at Busselton, with two wins, a second and third placing in the feature series, with next weeks meeting the last for the season.

Matt Scott prepared a training treble on the night, with Miracle Mary taking out the $7700 Jack Sheedy Memorial RWWA Westbred feature. The win gave Cody Wallrodt a double on the card, with an earlier win in the night on board Alta Rhett for Bunbury based trainer, Sarah Wall. Foveaux Major flew the flag for the Scott stable in race five, with the $26 shot leading all the way for reinsman Shane Young.

Lets Roll The Dice NZ took out the opener for Eric Chabros and Corey Peterson, with the short priced favourite claiming a narrow victory, his second for the season at Busselton.

The final Busselton Meeting for the season gets underway on Friday the 20th of January, with the 2023 Busselton Cup the feature of the night, as well as the final instalment of the Sweetheart Series which caries a generous $5000 club bonus, as well as $1500 donated by WASBA and a $500 Holiday Voucher for the local Esplanade Hotel for the winning connections.

For complete Busselton results, click here.

by Ashleigh Paikos for RWWA