Izaha returns from a minor setback

Talented pacer Izaha returns to the track after a minor setback on Sunday night when he tackles the Cascade Draught Pace in Hobart on Sunday night.

Trainer-driver Todd Rattray explained he was forced to scratch the pacer from a race in early June and was happy with the pacer heading into this week’s event.

“I had to scratch him as he had a hoof abscess. He is over that now and he seems pretty good and has been working good,” explained Rattray.

The Roll With Joe gelding has won four standing start races in the past and returns to the standing start draw after being ODS for his last three standing start appearances.

“He usually goes away good, but there have been a few times I have missed the start with him. Hopefully, I’m on my game myself,” said Rattray.

The sole 20m handicap runner in the race is the Steve Lukac-trained Call Me Hector, who was just outside the 2090m standing start track record when winning in 1m 58.8s on 3 July.

“His win in Hobart was a very good win, he looks the one to beat,” acknowledged the Longford-based trainer-driver.

Rattray has two other runners engaged on the Hobart card, both of which contest the Nutrien Sprint Lane Pace.

Dylan Ford will drive Szabolski Leis with the trainer saying, “she has drawn bad over the mile and will need a lot of luck,” while Rattray will partner Lesya.

“She has also drawn bad, but she has been working better, so I’m hoping she will improve.”

Meanwhile, Rattray has been forced to do more work around his stable while the stables junior driver Liam Older is sidelined through injury.

“He hurt his shoulder at football training a few weeks ago. I’m hoping he will be back soon. That’s probably unlikely, but he is keen to get back driving,” explained Rattray.

Older sits equal fourth on this season’s junior drivers premiership. There will be several opportunities for junior drivers soon as several are on the verge of outdriving their valuable five-point claim and dropping back to three points.