Royal Appointment chasing second win in a week

Fresh off recording his fourth career harness racing win in Launceston on Saturday night, four-year-old gelding Royal Appointment (Guaranteed) will be chasing his second win for the week when he lines up in the Cavalor Equicare Pace (2090m) in Hobart on Friday night.

The Michael Laugher-trained pacer was first up from a freshen when leading all the way from a wide draw to score by 2.6m in the 1680m event.

“He was a bit relaxed last week, which was good as he was a bit fiery in the run last time in,” said Laugher.

The gelding put together back-to-back wins in September and October before being well defeated in a race in Hobart in late October, where there were excuses.

“He sucked wind and knocked up badly, but we put a pad on him, and hopefully, those days are behind him.

“He seems to be going the best he has since I have had him,” said Laugher.

With driver Rohan Hillier unavailable, the trainer has called upon the services of concession driver Kayleb Williams for Friday’s race.

“It’s a no more than four wins race, and he has won four, but they all go good enough. He has good high speed, which he showed last week when running to the lead.

“If he is sat up till late, he can get home pretty fast, and I have a feeling he may be better coming from behind, but we will wait and see,” the trainer added.

Earlier in the night Laugher has Emjays Black Chip engaged in the Intersport Hobart Pace (2090m) with Williams also booked for the drive on the 10-year-old gelding.

“He always runs a good race. He has done a super job, and he has just got to be driven for luck and take his turn when it comes,” said Laugher.

Friday’s nine-race program commences at 17:31 and can be seen on TasracingTV and Sky Racing 2.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing