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The 607-metre Burnie circuit on Tasmania’s North West Coast continues to play its part in shaping the state’s future talent, with two emerging four-year-olds — Snowiewillrev (Stay Hungry) and Horatius Speculo (Art Major) — delivering standout harness racing performances.
Snowiewillrev, having just his second run back from an injury-enforced break, was scratchy early from the stand but quickly found his rhythm. Once the son of Stay Hungry balanced up, driver Gareth Rattray wasted no time sending him forward. The former top juvenile rolled to the lead and controlled the race with authority, never appearing in danger.
Purchased for $40,000 at the 2023 Nutrien Yearling Sale in Melbourne, Snowiewillrev carries the name of part-owner Laurie “Snow” Belbin. Prepared by Craig Hayes at Stowport, the gelding has now built an impressive record of five wins from six starts.
The meeting also highlighted the continued rise of fellow four-year-old Horatius Speculo, who extended his winning streak to five and has now claimed seven of his past eight. Trained by Tammy Langley and driven by her son Dylan Ford, the gelding began safely from the outside of the front line.
Once he worked to the lead, the Burnie Cup was effectively sealed.
Horatius Speculo, by Art Major, was bred by the late Victorian enthusiast and motor racing legend Garry Rogers. Rogers’ foray into harness racing commenced when he established a breeding and training complex at Longwarry on the fringe of south east Melbourne under the racing banner of Ulverstone.
The entire next mission is the Devonport Cup on the last day of the month, a task made easier with the announcement that Triedtotellya will bypass that event to prepare for the heats of the Tasmania Pacing Cup just two weeks later on February 13.
With horses like Snowiewillrev and Horatius Speculo progressing rapidly, Tasmania’s depth of emerging talent is as strong as it has been in years.
For complete race results, click here.
by Gary Newton for Harnesslink
