Howdy Mate’s strong win in Tatlow Trotters Stakes

The highly promising gelding Howdy Mate (Elite Stride) continued his recent outstanding harness racing form with a powerful display in the Aldebaran Park Tatlow Stakes for two year old trotters at Melton on Saturday evening.

Coming off the back of an impressive win in the Nutrien Equine Classic for two year olds at Melton a fortnight ago, Howdy Mate was installed a warm favourite. Nonetheless the field brought together a good field with plenty of depth.

The filly Elle Perfecto showed plenty of early speed to lead but driver James Herbertson pressed for the lead and he crossed over shortly after.

Notanotha Naughty who had impressed at his debut at Maryborough made a dash around the field and driver John Caldow almost made a daring play for the lead. However Howdy Mate held the front and he continued to run along setting a brisk pace.

Notanotha Naughty issued another challenge in the back straight and despite fighting on well never looked quite likely to seriously threaten Howdy Mate who won by over six metres. Elle Perfecto was a further four metres away in third. The eye catching run was that of The Preacher who at one stage was near the rear of the field and rattled home to finish fourth. Howdy Mate rated 2.02.2 for the 2240 metres with a smart last quarter in 28.3 seconds.

HOWDY MATE SEP 27 REPLAY

Howdy Mate is trained by Jess Tubbs and is raced by a well known trio of owners, namely Brittany Graham, North American trainer Nancy Trakter and Michelle Crawford.

Driver James Herbertson was satisfied after the event.

“He switched off a little bit. Down the back Johnny (Caldow) came at me in a bit of a rush He handled himself quite well I thought under the circumstances. It’s the first time he’s led in a race, so I think I might have led on him in a trial but he’s learning as he goes his manners at the start today were really good.”  

“I was really happy with him in that respect. He’s getting better all the time. He did that really easy tonight. In his last 100 metres he was just cruising and I didn’t ask much of him. We haven’t found the bottom of him yet, that’s for sure.”

At this stage Howdy Mate looks well suited as one of the favourites in the Group 1 Redwood Classic at Maryborough on November 2 as well as the Vicbred Super Series and Breeders Crown at Melton later on in November and December.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink