Pete can fly the arm in Newcastle Mile

There are few harness racing horsemen in New South Wales that drive the Newcastle International Paceway better than Robbie Morris.

The Menangle Park based reinsman has an impressive strike rate there and has built a strong rapport with many owners and trainers in the Hunter region which has resulted in his services in the gig being in demand.

It has been well documented that Morris has consistently finished high on the state’s Premiership table for more than a decade, last year placing third behind Cameron Hart and Jack Callaghan.

And 2023 has again begun well for Morris as after just six weeks he has landed 15 winners as he optimistically chases his first premiership.

“It is a massive goal of mine to secure a state driver’s premiership,” said Morris.

“I have come quite close a couple of times, and this season has started well for me. Hopefully that elusive goal is just around the corner.

“My wife Kerry does such a wonderful job preparing our team and that helps with my success on race day.

“Added to that is the great support I get from outside stables. It is quite humbling really.”

Morris will make the regular trip to Newcastle again tonight but this week he has bigger fish to fry than that of a normal Friday.

He will partner the current Morris stable star Petes Said So (Well Said) in the Group 2 Ave Technologies Newcastle Mile.

A time-honoured feature carries $100,000 in stakes and should the gelding be able to win, he would gain automatic entry into next month’s million dollar Miracle Mile at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

Petes Said So has certainly been a revelation for the Lucky Lodge enterprise, making it into the Inter Dominion Grand Final back in December and then breaking the 1:50 mark at Menangle on January 21.

“He is a very versatile horse that can fly the arm or take a sit and still be strong at the end,” Morris said.

“I have not yet decided what to do at the start tonight. But from the draw I should be able to settle him into a suitable spot to gain a good run.

“His owner Pete Kohlsdorf is enjoying the great ride this fella is giving us all and hopefully tonight he may finally be able to knock off that Group 1 that he so thoroughly deserves.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW