Junior driver on the cusp of next milestone

Junior Driver Mitch Ford goes into Friday’s Launceston harness racing program with a one-win premiership lead, and he is on the cusp of recording a milestone victory.

Ford has driven 198 winners in his career, which started in the 2021 season.

“I have had a lot of support in my career, obviously it’s very early on, and to get the support I have had here in Tassie, and when I was in Sydney as well, I have been grateful for.

“I had a good connection with (Group 2 winner) Iylac Pakaria, but I have driven a few winners in different states, which has been good,” said Ford.

Ford has a drive in seven of the eight races in Launceston, rating Rocks Roy in the Lees Orchard Stakes (1680m) as his best chance of the night.

The 12-year-old gelding was runner-up to Hungry Hippo on Sunday and was a Hobart winner three runs back.

“He has been flying.

“He hasn’t been able to get a draw. He comes up with one, and it’s only a small field, and the last time he was in a small field, he was able to get over the top of them.

“Hopefully, with the right trip, I can’t see why he can’t win again,” said the driver.

Ford believes he has a stronger book of drives in Hobart on Sunday.

This season, Ford has driven 36 wins and holds a one-win lead over Jordan Chibnall, who drove her 200th career win in Hobart two weeks ago.

The Launceston program will be shown on Sky Racing 2, and commences at 17:18.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing