Jones having a handy start to the season

Concession harness racing driver Malcom Jones will be out to continue his handy start to the season at Friday night’s seven-race card in Hobart.

Jones, who has the advantage of a five-point concession claim, has been booked for drives in five races.

The driver quickly responded when asked about his best winning chance on the program, having to wait until the final race of the night for his best winning chance, Windy Hanover (Cardmaster Hanover), in the Prydes Easifeed Pace (2090m).

The 11-year-old gelding won his seventh race at his 16th race start in Launceston on Saturday night, where he led the one-wide line for the final 1500m before proving too slick in a 56.4s last half mile in a race that was only a dash home.

“He ran a slick last quarter last start, after some slow early sections.

“It’s an even field but similar to what he has been racing well against,” said Jones.

The driver also gave a strong push for the Conor Crook-trained Cheetah Lodge in race four, the Tasmanian Horse Transport Pace (2090m).

The gelded son of For A Reason was a Hobart winner three starts ago and has been placed on another three occasions in his last five runs.

“He has been going good. It’s a bit of a tricky draw. But he is a horse that can make his own luck a bit,” Jones said.

The driver also said his remaining drives, including Grove Dale that he also trained “have chances with luck.”

Grove Dale is one of two horses the trainer has in work.

Friday’s meeting sees former New Zealand trainer, now Victorian-based Craig Jamieson, have two runners engaged on the program, including last start winner Attagirl in race two.

Jamieson intends for his runners to be in the state over the next few weeks.

Friday’s meeting will be shown exclusively on Sky Racing 2. The first race is scheduled for 17:49.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing