Tasmanian Harness Highlights – 12 April

It was a great weekend of racing last weekend. The Tier 1 meeting was held in Launceston last Sunday night, which followed a meeting in Hobart on Friday.

This week, the Tasmanian Harness Racing Awards and Hall Of Fame night will be held on Friday at the Hobart Function & Conference Centre before five heats of the BOTRA Claiming Novice Drivers Series headline Sunday’s Hobart card.

In sad news, east-coast owner-breeder, and regular raceday attendee Max Hall passed away on Saturday. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

The Stars

Khaki Nui – came from last at the top of the home straight and produced a fast-finishing sprint to record his first win of the season in Launceston on Sunday night. It was a happier result for punters and connections after the gelding was relegated from a win the start prior.

Cedric Seymour – won his eighth race on Sunday in the fast class race of the night, the 75 to 105 event. The six-year-old broke his maiden in July 2023 and has certainly rewarded connections for their patience and perserverance.

Laid Back – after being checked on the first turn last start, the three-year-old was able to lead and keep out of trouble to record his third career win on Sunday.

Loyola Trios – ended a run of outs to record her first win of the season courtsey of a well judged drive by her trainer, Kyle Pratten.

Feats of the meet

Hobart, 5 April
Wayne Yole – training treble,
Ben Yole – driving double,
Dylan Ford – driving double.

Launceston, 7 April
Wayne Yole – training double,
Jacob Duggan – driving double,
Nathan Ford – driving double.

Calculated Sectional Standouts

Hobart, 5 April
Madame Annie 57.14s, Smooth Deal 57.35s, Loyola Trios 58.25s, My Ultimate Jacko 58.29s and Sneak A Peek 58.37s.

Launceston, 7 April
Colby Sanz 56.52s, Cedric Seymour 57.38s and Miss Papenhuyzen. Outside of race five: Will He Pike 57.70s, Major Lester 57.84s and Khaki Nui 58.03s.

Tasracing Official Price

Hobart, 5 April
Hit’s: Smooth Deal $4.20 into $4.00, Millies Creation $2.35 into $2.20, Cardinal Sin $3.10 into $2.10, Lorimertyrrell $4.60 into $4.40, Velocity Stride $7.00 into $4.40 and Ranieri $8.00 into $5.50.
Defied The Drift: Rock On Playboy $2.90 out to $4.60.
Missed: Do Not Surrender $2.60 into $1.70, Our Miki Diva $3.80 into $2.80, The Democrat $6.00 into $4.20, Beast Mode $6.50 into $4.20, Major Generaljujon $5.50 into $3.90, Nine Diamonds $4.20 into $2.60 and Lalibela $18 into $5.50,

Launceston, 7 April
Hit’s: Spacewriter $3.90 into $3.30, Khaki Nui $3.20 into $2.60, Cedric Seymour $16 into $9.00, Beast Mode $21 into $15 and No Nukes Skipper $16 into $6.00
Defied The Drift: Tambros Tilly $3.40 out to $4.60, Laid Back $3.30 out to $4.20 and Loyola Trios $9.50 out to $16.
Missed: Botany Bay Warrior $5.50 into $3.80, Nancys Hope $2.70 into $1.90, Ideal Son $6.00 into $4.40, Bonny My Boy $15 into $8.50, Messerati $15 into $8.50, Star Watching $5.50 into $3.80, Do Not Surrender $21 into $10, Will He Pike $14 into $8.00 and Gypsy Amour $16 into $9.50.

Week Ahead

Friday: Tasmanian Harness Racing Awards and Hall Of Fame night, live streamed from The Hobart Function & Conference Centre on TasracingTV from 18:30.

Saturday: Trials to be held at Carrick Park from 9:00.

Some runners racing interstate with a Tasmanian connection include:

Melton
Race 1 – 9 Melanion,
Race 3 – 7 Dukes Choice,
Race 5 – 7 Kosimo,

Menangle
Race 3 – 5 Boom,
Race 5 – Max Delight.

Overseas, Ignatius lines up in a conditioned race at Freehold Raceway in New Jersey after a last-start third. In other USA news, Lip Reader won again last week at Buffalo Raceway in New York.

Sunday: Harness racing in Hobart with a nine race card from the earlier start time of 16:22.