Busy weekend coming up for Rattray stable

Longford harness racing trainer-driver Todd Rattray will be out to kick off a big weekend on a winning note in Hobart on Friday night.

Rattray has Mallan (Sunshine Beach) and Svitolina Leis (Bettor’s Delight) engaged in the Tasmanian Horse Transport Pace (2090m).

Mallen resumes from a spell with Rattray driving from the pole draw.

“I trialled him at Carrick the other day. He hit his knee a little bit and didn’t handle the track that well, but he is working ok to be hopefully in the finish,” said Rattray.

Concession driver Charlie Castles will partner Svitolina Leis from barrier four in the seven-horse field.

“She just needs the right run. She isn’t the best pacer but is starting to improve a little bit.

“If she gets a good run, she can run home, and hopefully she can get that in the small field,” the trainer said.

Also from the Rattray stable at the meeting is Nauru in race four for the maidens (2090m).

“She is improving a little, but Marv Dreaming looks the one to beat,” said the trainer-driver.

On Sunday, Rattray will be eyeing off another Tasbred Final in Launceston when Nyack lines up from barrier seven in the Nutrien Equine Supplies Globe Derby Final (2200m).

“It’s a terrible draw, especially with De Goey and Dukes Choice drawn inside.

“I’m thinking I will go back, but it all depends on how he is on the gate,” said Rattray.

The colt has won 10 of his 18 starts with Rattray believing the pacers fifth placing to Magician in the Beautide in early August as a turning point.

“I thought his run in the Beautide was pretty good, and he has improved after that.

“He has got a bit stronger, which he needed to. He always had the speed, and he is starting to get better all the time,” he said.

Nyack won his Globe Derby heat by 22.4m on 19 November, leading all the way.

“I didn’t want to knock him around too much, but someone was doing some yelling at the back, and he took off a bit on me,” Rattray explained.

Nyack’s mile rate was 2:01.7s with his last half mile recorded in 56.0s.

De Goey won the first heat in 2:00.5s, dashing home in 56.2s.

Todd drives Kuzma for his brother Adam in the Group 3 Lees Orchard Tassie Golden Apple.

The gelding finished third to Major Moth in his heat last week.

“He got a good run. He went away alright and lobbed one-one.

“If the race is run to suit, he can go ok, but unfortunately, I don’t think he backs up that well,” Todd said about his chances.

Early markets on Launceston features.

R5 Globe Derby: $1.70 De Goey, $2.70 Nyack, $10 Dukes Choice, $12 Nancestiger, $18+ others.

R7 Tassie Golden Apple: $2.50 Major Moth, $3.60 Mickey Oh, $5.00 Denwen Dancer, $6.00 All By Myself, $6.50 Rackemup Tigerpie, $18+ others.

R8 Bandbox: $2.00 Reely Nauti, $3.20 Iylac Pakaria, $4.80 Iden Lady Lincoln, $8.00 Moth Hunter, $8.50 Spot Ruler (in from $26), $51+ others.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing