Make your Mark – Launceston 22/7 & Hobart 24/7

Leading trainer/driver Mark Yole provides a behind the scenes look at the weekend of harness racing with Launceston racing on Friday night and Hobart hosting a nine-race card on Sunday evening.

Weekend best

Hobart race 4 – 9. Iden Miss Lucy

In great form this mare. Christian has done a wonderful job with her and although she has a second-row draw, she gets into this race very well being a rating 66. Over the mile I may not be able to make a mid-race move depending on the tempo. I feel her only danger is Better Amour who won last time these two mares met, however Lucy did all the work and was only beaten a very small margin. Great hope

Under the radar

Launceston race 2 – 2. Foregone Conclusion

Bit of a left field one here. His figure form doesn’t look all that great, but I thought his run last start was admirable and from a really nice draw over the mile trip I believe he can be handy in running and sneak into the finish.

Wish I was in the sulky

Launceston race 3 – 2. Alta Cassino

This fellow was a solid run first-up in the state last start. He had a nice sit early behind the leader but was forced to make a move around the 800m when that horse faded, and that just left him a sitting duck. He was only narrowly beaten by Major Lester and He’s Razor Sharp who are both in great form, with Major Lester running a huge race in Hobart last week. Here he comes up with a great draw and I see him finding the front and being able to dictate the speed and he should be too strong.

Black booker

Launceston race 7 – 13. Vinny Chase

I really liked this guy’s run last week. He stepped okay, but I was impressed with the way he finished the race off and also how he settled much better in the run. Previously he appeared to be pulling really hard. This week it’s a huge drop in class from the likes of Izaha back to 40-50 raters with the exception of Smilin Geoff, who looks his main danger as he can ping the stand and lead. 13 is a very tough draw so he may not be able to win but I think he will be a good chance none the less and goes in the black book.

Inside word

This week we see the return to the sulky of Corey Bell who has two good books of drives for the Ben Yole stable. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Corey has had a break from horses but is returning in a big way this week.

I’d also like to make special mention of Jack Laugher’s effort to drive seven yes seven!!!! winners on the card at Mildura last week. What an exceptional effort. Jack continues to go from strength to strength in Victoria with some major stables backing his ability and he is rewarding them greatly. I’m sure we are all proud of Jack’s efforts and his rise in the sulky. Well done Jack. It’s been great to watch and it’s always a pleasure going to the mainland as he is the first to say hello and have a chat whenever I see him.