Minstrel toys with his rivals

Star West Australian Minstrel (Rockandroll Hanover) drew first blood when he took out the first harness racing heat of the opening round of the TAB Inter Dominion at Newcastle last night.

Drawn the pole and heavily backed into a warm harness racing favourite Minstrel showed surprising early speed to easily hold out the field and from then on driver Deni Roberts was able to sit quietly and was never going to lose. Held together in the home straight Minstrel scored by a leisurely  5 metres from Jilliby Nitro and a very gallant Max Delight who hung on for third after having to race outside the leader.

Minstrel ran a very leisurely mile rate of 1.53.2 for the 2030 metres including a slick 26.7 seconds for his last quarter. 

Deni Roberts expressed her satisfaction after the event in which both she and Minstrel were having their first outing at the Newcastle track. 

“He handled that well. He got away with a bit early. I could have been quicker if I wanted to. He hasn’t got to showcase that speed at the smaller track. I can’t wait to get him to Menangle”. (which is a bigger track).

Jilliby Nitro had the run of the race behind the leader but was no match for the winner. Max Delight showed speed at the beginning but driver Nathan Jack could not drop behind Minstrel and he was forced to do it tough. He certainly lost no admirers even though Minstrel was clearly the best runner of the night.

MINSTREL REPLAY

Outsider Kanena Provlima ran a credible race coming from near the rear of the field to finish fifth. 

But on the strength of his performance Minstrel will be entitled to being one of the favourites for the big Final at Menangle Park on 14 November. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink