Terry Gange’s Bits and Pieces

It was a case of fourth time lucky for 21-year-old Leilani Justice, who is following in the footsteps of her father Lance, a household name in harness racing, who’s virtually done it all.

Leilani handled square gaiter Chinski (Peak) to perfection at Maryborough last Friday (June 2) to take out the Mark Hayes Life Member Trotters mobile event.

While Leilani’s mum, and Chinski’s trainer, Dianne Giles would have been cheering loudly –  so too were punters who collected $31 for a win unit.

The youngster had her first race drive only nine days previous so she’s certainly a young lady in a hurry.

After starting from the two alley, Leilani was happy to tuck in behind speedy beginner Charlie Walker. She later used the sprint lane to grab victory by two metres over Charlie Walker with Sir Eros a close-up third. The mile rate was a handy 2.01-5.

Leilani, who is very much involved in the equestrian scene, races Chinski in partnership with her mother.

Another Justice family member who is stamping her mark is Ewa, daughter of Toolern Vale horseman John, younger brother of Lance. Ewa posted a double at Yarra Valley on May 22 with Another Nien (Huntsville) and Aldebaran Boyd (Aldebaran Eagle).

She then tasted further success with her favorite horse Sports Wrack (Sportswriter) a little over a week later at Geelong (May 31), the 20th winner in a short career.

***

Charlton young gun Ryan Sanderson had a night to remember in the far north-west corner of his home state last Friday (June 2) with a bag of five winners.

“Mildura has been pretty good to me, and I’d have to say that I’m a regular up there most weeks now,” the 19-year-old said.

“My previous best was four winners one night—which was up at Mildura last season.

“I did think that most of my drives the other night were in with a chance. I’ve sort of being driving the same horses for a while and we got a little bit of luck when it counted so I was pretty stoked.”

His haul of five winners were: Dougs Cino (Courage Under Fire), Son Of Zodiac (Artistic Fella), Ultimate Trouble (Courage Under Fire), Cutty Sark (Somebeachsomewhere) and Startup (Follow The Stars).

Sanderson has now driven 40 winners and 83 placings for the season. Last season was a standout for him when he cracked the ton for the first time with 108 wins and 208 placings.

The talented concession driver is excited with the return to racing of speedy three-year-old colt Dangerous (Sweet Lou), trained by his father Shane.

Dangerous was super-impressive in his comeback run when he was victorious at Kilmore (June 1) last Thursday night in 1.57-4. It was the highly-rated youngster’s first run since being unplaced in the NSW Derby at Menangle back in March.

“He’s going to get better with racing and I think dad has him entered for Melton next Saturday night,” Sanderson said.

***

Popular Melbourne-based harness racing media guru Len Baker has come up with a tour package in September that’s sure to tempt many diehards of the sport.

Baker, renowned for his outstanding “Harness Jewels” tours to NZ in the past, is offering 20 spots to the Eureka slot race to be held at TABcorp Park Menangle on Saturday, September 2.

“The package will include return airfares from Melbourne to Sydney, with single, double or twin accommodation and dining at Rydges in Campbelltown. A return coach will travel to the track, with a dining package included at Menangle,” he said.

“The cost is still to be confirmed, but depends on final numbers and will be announced as soon as possible. Bookings will close on July 14.”

Further information can be obtained from Len via e-mail to len-baker@bigpond.com Apart from seven or eight enjoyable trips to New Zealand, Baker also arranged another to Adelaide for the “Return to Wayville” racing night.

“I enjoy just having small groups and everyone has had a ball in the past. The NZ ‘Jewels’ just kept rolling along over the years because people wanted to do it again.”

***

Two sisters were part of a girls’ night out at the most recent Echuca (May 30) fixture.

Women trainers and drivers accounted for eight of the nine winners on the card.

Ellen Bartley, of Narrandera, and her sister Lisa (Pitt), of Stanhope, near Shepparton both trained winning doubles—not something seen too often.

Bartley produced Island Bouhinia (Betting Line) and Dun Me Up Fancy (Four Starzzz Shark) to the winner’s circle. Both horses handled by her partner, leading Riverina reinsman Blake Jones, who recently landed his 1000^th winner.

Pitt looks to have some fun times ahead with her speedy pair Swift Watch (Hes Watching) and Love Lou Longtime (Sweet Lou). Swift Watch, driven by husband Mark, went within a whisker of the 2160m track record with a runaway 30m win in 1.57-2 (55.9 last half).

Love Lou Longtime, resuming since last December, got the money with Lisa taking the reins. The pacer won three from five starts last preparation and is a nice type.

Bendigo reinswoman Ellen Tormey drove a double in Jay Bee Flex (Federal Flex) and Open The Valve (Sportswriter), while local trainer Susan Hunter cheered home Lethal Lover (Pet Rock) and Maree Caldow had a win in Azterian (Sportswriter), handled by husband John.

Father and son Tim and Darby McGuigan were the odd ones out by combining to land the very first winner on the program in Williebillie (Safari).

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink