Kens Chips records first win of the season

Heston Blue Chip mare Kens Chips broke into the harness racing winner’s list for the first time this season when recording a 3.5m win in the Tasmanian Horse Transport Stakes in Launceston on Sunday night.

Driver Adrian Collins positioned the $15 chance on the back of the well-supported favourite Our Ruby Rose, who shifted out when placed under pressure which saw Kens Chips flash through to score her fourth career win in the standing start event, to the delight of Port Sorell trainer Bevan Thomas.

“She has been around them and when she just got beat a fortnight ago, it was one of the fastest times she had run.

“I was looking forward to tonight, but off 10m, I thought she would run into a place.

“I thought the run tonight would top her off nicely for a race next week,” said Thomas.

Thomas was slightly concerned the mare may not have found clear room when watching the race live.

“I thought she may have been in a bit of trouble on the turn, but she was able to sprint through when the gap came,” he said.

After being winless in 10 starts last season, six-year-old gelding Kivik has undoubtedly been enjoying 2023, recording his third win at his 11th start for the season.

From a wide draw on the second-row, driver Ben Parker positioned the Rachel Williams-trained mare one-out and four-back before gaining a three-wide cart into the race over the final lap before sprinting home best in the straight.

Another impressive winner was Gigi I Got This, who broke her maiden in the second race.

Ricky Duggan was content to race outside the leader before sweeping to the lead in the home straight and proved too strong late for Czarina.

Check In took out the open class race of the night.

The Ben Yole-trained pacer won a heat of the Tasmania Cup last month and was given an economical run on the pegs, before weaving into the clear turning for home to finish off best for Buster William.

The win of Check In was one of four on the card for Ben Yole.