Michael gears up for the Golden Guitar

Hunter Valley horseman Michael Formosa recently celebrated another harness racing milestone in his successful career, bringing up 1200 winners as a reinsman.

At 51, the Ellalong trainer-driver has been associated with many smart horses during his time in the sport, with his best being Group 1 winner Ultimate Art.

“Those milestones do not come along every day, so you have to enjoy them when they do,” said Formosa.

“I have had a great career to date and enjoy what I do.

“It is a great feeling when you drive winners, but it is even better when you get your hands on a nice horse to train and win some of the bigger races.”

Formosa currently finds himself associated with another talented pacer with the recent emergence of One For The Rodi (Shoobees Place), a gelding trained by fellow Ellalong mentor Andrew Stapleford.

A veteran of only 11 race starts, the four-year-old son of Shoobees Place has won at six of those outings, including victory in the time-honoured Maitland Inner City Pace run in December.

One For The Rodi steps out at Tamworth tonight in the $40,000 Multiquip Golden Guitar Final, the feature race on a strong TAB Carnival Of Cups program and Formosa will be looking to add another feature win to his already impressive resume.

After running a strong second in his qualifying heat last Sunday behind Man From Braavos, One For The Rodi will start from a challenging gate 11 second-line draw.

But with a predicted fast early speed, it could play into the gelding’s racing style whereby he can come with one run, a view that Formosa shares.

“His win at Maitland was great in similar circumstances,” said Formosa.

“It looks likely that there will be plenty of early speed in tonight’s Final, so we will sit patiently and come with one run.

“Hopefully that will get us into the race at the right time.

“Andrew and I were pleased enough with his heat run.

“Our bloke appeared to have Man From Braavos beaten on the home turn but he kicked back and held us off.

“No doubt tonight’s field is much stronger, but I think if we are sitting off the speed, One For The Rodi has the class to run them down.

“Full credit must go to Andrew [Stapleford].

“Despite the horse’s natural ability, he has managed his preparation so well.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW