Woods mare steps to first win of the season

Talented harness racing mare Stepping Stones (Stonebridge Regal) ($1.80 fav) recorded her first win of the season when claiming the $14,000 Leis (2200m) for the Tasbred fillies and mares in Launceston on Sunday night.

Driver Jacob Duggan positioned the mare one-out, and one-back from his second-row draw, with the driver easing the mare three-wide at the 300m to run away from her rivals to score by 18m over Spot Ruler ($3.20) and Svitolina Leis ($31) in a mile rate of 2:00.3s.

The mare’s trainer, Heath Woods, missed the drive while interstate with family commitments, but his son and the mare’s part-owner, Aaron Woods was delighted with the win.

“Jacob (Duggan) did a good job. He did exactly what he needed to do and didn’t panic.

“She goes better when there’s a bit of speed on, and she is probably better when someone else is making the race. She doesn’t have a lot of confidence when in front, so it was good to get a nice trip like that. We got very lucky,” added Aaron.

“She goes away well from a stand, so there are plenty of options going forward. There is a similar race (to the Leis) coming up in Hobart in a few weeks. She may not get a run (as the race is selected lowest wins first), but if she does, she will be a chance,” added the part-owner.

Allan McDonough drove a treble on the card, including Best Deal ($1.08 fav) in the $14,000 Max McCormack (2200m).

The American Ideal colt settled one-out and three-back from his second-row draw, and when the field was disorganised near the 1100m after the leader galloped, McDonough took the pacer forward to find the lead near the 800m to go on and score by 60.9m in a mile rate of 1:59.3s.

McDonough’s other winners came with Billys Tiger Khan ($1.22 fav) and Indelible ($1.55 fav).

For complete race results, click here.

by Duncan Dornauf, for Tasracing