Soulwriter looking to remain unbeaten in Tasmania

Eight-year-old harness racing mare Soulwriter (Sportswriter) will be looking to keep her unbeaten record in Tasmania intact when she lines up in the Vizpix Broadcast Services Pace in Launceston on Friday night.

The well-travelled mare was purchased by clients of the Heath Szczypka stable from Queensland in April and has impressed with two Launceston wins in May, the most recent in a slick mile rating of 1m 58.5s for 1680m.

Szczypka hadn’t been having much luck with some of his recent Victorian purchases, and he decided to cast his eye further north for his recent stable addition.

“I just thought her form from what she had done in Queensland and everywhere else was good enough to come to Tassie and have a crack, plus I don’t mind training the mares as I have had a bit of luck with them in the past,” said Szczypka.

Soulwriter, the winner of 14 races, has drawn barrier five in the up to rating 49 event.

“I know she is very well, and she can do some work in races too, so she can make a bit of her own luck.

“I will just leave it up to Gareth (Rattray). He is the expert. He knows what he is doing. I just tell him what the horse can and can’t do,” said the trainer.

Szczypka is also represented at the meeting with two other runners, including Jackson Neptune, in race 4.

“I have had some trouble with him over the last few weeks.

“At his last start, I thought he was a bit off, but he still ran a good race under the circumstances so I gave him a few weeks away from the races, and he is very well.

“He is going to need luck from the draw,” explained the trainer.

Eippermill, in race 8, will also carry the Szczypka polish.

“I have got a bit of time for her, I brought her cheap and we plan on breeding a foal from her.

“I do believe she is a horse with a bit of ability, but she is one of those horses that is never right, she always has something wrong with her and when the stars align, I expect she will win a couple of races.”

Friday’s 10-race card will be shown on Sky Racing 2 and TasracingTV from 16:52.

Vale Pearce and Woods

Tasmanian harness racing has lost two of its loyal supporters.

Jim Pearce, a former trainer, driver, breeder and race starter, was laid to rest during the past week.

Last Sunday, trainer, breeder and St Marys Pacing Club committee member Donald Woods passed away.

Week Ahead

Friday: 10 races in Launceston from 16:52.

Saturday: Tasmanian-owned or bred horses at metropolitan venues include.

Melton:
Race 7: Iylac Beach.

Menangle:
Race 4: Timely Sovereign,
Race 5: Izaha.

Albion Park:
Race 7: Jo And Jo.

Sunday: A rare afternoon meeting in Hobart commencing at 12:39, featuring the Sires Produce.

Monday: Hobart trials from 17:30.