Castles stable hunting Group 3 features in Launceston

Wesley Vale trainer John Castles will be out to continue his good recent run on a feature night of harness racing in Launceston on Sunday night.

Castles has three runners engaged in the Group 3 Collins Homes Granny Smith. His stable is also represented in the Group 3 Tasfreight Raider Stakes and the Beautide 3YO Prelude.

Spot Ruler and Moth Hunter both drew favourable in the Granny Smith (2698m) race and lead the trainers’ chances.

Spot Ruler led all the way to win the prelude of the race on 7 July at her fifth race start, with Gareth Rattray in the sulky, and the trainer is expecting improvement from the mare.

“I thought she done a good job in the prelude. She went into that underdone, and I expect her to improve.

“She has had a few issues, and hopefully, they are behind her,” said Castles when asked why the mare was lightly raced.

Moth Hunter will be driven by John’s nephew Charlie and has drawn well in barrier two.

She has won seven of her 18 starts and finished sixth in the prelude after settling back in the field from a wide second-row draw.

“I think when you look at the sectionals, her run was alright. She has drawn to get things go her way this time, and we have been happy with her since that run.

“They both have good gate speed, and I expect them both to come out pretty good,” the trainer said.

Nancys Hope rounds out his trio in the race, with the mare breaking her maiden status three starts ago after running 15 minor placings. Rohan Hadley will drive her from a wide second-row draw.

“She just needs things to go her way. She got held up a bit in the prelude and will need a bit of luck with her draw,” said the trainer.

For all horses in the race, it will be their first try past 2600m.

“The distance is the unknown with all of them, but I don’t expect it to worry Spot Ruler, and Moth Hunter is good with a trail, and I don’t think it will worry her too much,” Castles said.

The Raider Stakes (2698m) looks to be a great clash between impressive heat winners Nyack and De Goey, and Castles will be looking to cause a minor upset with Nancestiger.

“The distance will suit him as he is a stronger horse. I think the other two have the class edge, but you never know as he is never that far behind them,” said the trainer.

In the Beautide 3YO Prelude (2200m), Castles prepares Bettablack Tiger, who won at his only start on 28 June.

“He is pretty raw. I think he will be up to them. It’s a bit of an ask with his experience, but there is a bit of upside with him, I think,” Castles said.

Hazewillrev and Smooth Machete sit at the top of early betting.

The Devonport Harness Racing Club traditionally held the meeting prior to the loss of their racing venue. The club has organised a bus to take us from the northwest coast to the meeting. Further details are available by contacting the D.H.R.C on 0408 333 971.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing