Mickey Oh is eyeing off Tassie's Eureka slot

Connections of Mickey Oh have an eye on Tasracing’s slot for Australia’s newest harness race, the Eureka.

Trainer-driver Matthew Howlett indicated that the three-year-old would be given his opportunity following his Tasmanian Sires’ Stakes win in the Group 2 Nutrien Ag Solutions Globe Derby in Launceston on Sunday night.

Tasracing secured a slot for the $2,100,000 Eureka for the first three runnings of the race, with the inaugural running to be held at Menangle in September.

The race is restricted to Australian breed three and four-year-olds.

How the horse is selected for the Tasracing slot is yet to be announced, but, Tasracing was on the front foot soon after securing a spot in the race that it would be a Tasbred pacer taking their position.

Matthew Howlett is one person waiting on that decision.

“Winning a group two race is great, but the experience and opportunity to race in a $2,100,000 race would be a dream come true.

“He is off to have a good break, the Eureka next year would be pretty amazing to be a part of, so hopefully, Tasracing will decide soon on how they will select their horse so we can plan ahead and give Mickey every opportunity to qualify,” said Matthew post-race.

Sunday’s win was Matthew’s 10th as a trainer, and it was the biggest for the 26-year-old.

“It’s a great thrill and reward for everyone involved, particularly my brothers and sister, who always help out around their busy work commitments.

“He has taken us on a great ride, and hopefully, there’s more to come,” Matthew said.

Mickey Oh was sent out as the $1.65 favourite and used the pole draw to advantage to lead.

The gelded son of Racing Hill had to pull out all stops late to hold off the challenges of Magician and Just Tiger in a mile rate of 1m 59.1s for the 2200m.

“He had some niggling issues since the Tasmanian Derby back in March, so we set him for this series.

“He wasn’t at his best, but like the good horse he is, he dug deep up the straight,” Matthew explained.

It was back-to-back Tasmanian Sires’ Stakes wins for Mickey Oh, and next year in the four-year-old leg, he will look to become the first horse in Tasmania to win all three legs.