These Days finds his best form

Talented Tasmanian harness racing trainer Kate McLeod regards her handy seven-year-old pacer These Days a wonder horse.

These Days made it successive wins on the Launceston track when he powered home to win the Dakin Refrigerator Stakes over 2200 metres with Troy Hillier aboard.

McLeod said the horse was lucky to be alive let alone scoring back-to-back wins. After the horse scored an impressive win in February he lost all form and the only thing the trainer can put it down to is a mystery illness.

"We nearly lost him – he was sore everywhere and got to the point where he could hardly walk," McLeod said.

"We didn't have him tested for it but I'm tipping it was Ross River virus."

These Days recovered and while it has taken him a while to find his best form the gelding looks set to continue being competitive as he makes his way through the classes.

Despite being impressive in winning at is previous outing from a second-row draw, These Days was opened at $7.50 with fixed odds operators which surprised McLeod.

"He drew to lead (barrier four) and he's a much better horse in front so I was pleasantly surprised at his price."

These Days, owned and raced by Dale and Susan Stacey, has had 29 starts for six wins and 12 minor placings form almost $40,000 in stakes.

Peter Staples