Tango ready to get back into training after setback

Harness racing trainer Andy Gath anticipates top Kiwi import Tango Tara will be back in fast work tomorrow after a foot abscess flared up shortly following a narrow defeat on Australian debut.

The son of A Rocknroll Dance was run down by Torrid Saint in the Allied Express Pace on June 5, with the injury forcing his scratching from last weekend’s Mimosa Homes Pace.

“It was pretty close after the race that it flared its ugly head, probably on the Monday…,” Gath said.

“He had to have a couple of days off, but he actually jogged the last couple of days and I’m guessing he should be right to fast work tomorrow. Which means he will be right to (race) next week I’d say.”

Gath said while the foot issue might have been there when he raced – potentially the reason he shifted out badly in the closing stages – the unfamiliar circumstances of being used out of the gate and leading a race were more likely reasons that contributed to the defeat.

Torrid Saint had the run in behind Tango Tara and sprinted the better to grab him in the shadows of the post. He kept the race after a lengthy stewards hearing deemed the horse had remained in a pace while crossing the line.

Tango Tara had 32 starts in New Zealand for just the six wins, but has strong form around some of the country’s best pacers. He arrived in Australia on the back of an effort behind Self Assured and Spankem when he was beaten less than 12m, and even competed in the New Zealand Trotting Cup during 2020.

The horse is now owned by Gath’s long-time associate Norm Jenkin.