Pacing-bred trotter ready to roar

Wayward youngster Tiger Tee (Tiger Tara) has a primed opportunity to break her maiden status when she heads to harness racing’s Club Menangle today (Aug. 2).

Although the pacing-bred filly has shown talent as a trotter, her inexperience and manners have proven costly at the races, with Tiger Tee breaking stride during her first four starts.

A recent trial win followed by a third at the world class venue last week give hope Tiger Tee has found her rhythm according to trainer Kevin Pizzuto.

Pizzuto bred and owns the three-year-old which is by the colourful horseman’s former star, Tiger Tara. Pizzuto and Tiger Tara reached harness racing’s highest peak in 2018 by capturing the time-honoured Inter Dominion.

Tiger Tee is one of a handful of foals Pizzuto bred to Tiger Tara while mixing racing duties.

Tiger Tara, which has three winners from four starters, stands commercially at Medowie Lodge.

“All she has wanted to do from the get go is trot,” Pizzuto said. “At home she shows plenty and is quite safe in her gait, but at the races she’s had a tendency to get a bit too excited.

“Even after she’s made mistakes you can see the ability is there in the way she keeps trying.

“Once she matures enough to put it all together, I’ve got no doubt she’ll win her races.”

With Tiger Tee drawn the pole for her pending assignment, Pizzuto believes it is the squaregaiter’s time to show her potential.

“I gave her a short break to sort some things out after her race in early June and she has improved since,” Pizzuto said.”She came out and won her trial and was a handy third when first-up at the races for six weeks.

“As long as she can concentrate, especially at the start being drawn on the inside, she’s going to be hard to beat.”

Betting markets are keeping Tiger Tee safe at $7.50, with Gunner the $2.75 favourite from barrier six.

Returning from a luckless Queensland campaign with a disappointing seventh at Menangle three weeks ago, Gunner won his two starts before being sent north.

The drop in class will certainly aid Gunner’s bid to regain winning form for trainer Howard James.

For complete race fields, click here.

by Paul Courts, for Club Menangle