Daytime harness racing returns to Launceston

The Launceston Pacing Club will stage its first afternoon meeting since June 2022 on Sunday afternoon.

The fast class of the day, race-seven, sees some potential Golden Apple contenders go around.

All By Myself, last year’s Golden Apple winner, resumes from a 200-day break in the 2200m event and has drawn barrier two with her trainer Rohan Hillier also taking the drive.

“She may be a run short, but there are plenty of big races coming up over the next two or three months,” said Hillier ahead of a busy campaign.

“I’m happy with where she is at, but we will drive her cold, and hopefully, she will have some luck.

The former Kiwi mare worked her way from a 58 rater to winning last year’s Golden Apple in five Australian starts, with that preparation also including a win in the Mother Of Pearl and placings in the heats of the Tasmania and Easter Cup’s

“She has always had the ability, but she is not the soundest horse. That’s why we have her, and she has done a terrific job.

The mare commenced her current preparation with a second placing in a recent Carrick Park trial on 4 November, where she finished off well under a hold to be defeated 1.2m.

“She did a good job pulling Conor (Crook), and, like most horses that go to the trials, she will need a run and was happy with her,” Hillier said.

The trainer-driver was unsure if the mare would contest this year’s Golden Apple series, which commences with heats next week.

“I think the Apple is a front markers race, and that’s why she won it last year. I don’t think she can win it this year off 20m, and I don’t think many horses could unless they have a fair bit on them.

The Hillier stable also has Miss Papenhuyzen engaged in the race with his brother Troy to drive the last-start Hobart standing-start winner.

“I was happy that she stepped because that has been one of her letdowns. Usually, she behaves herself and doesn’t step, but at the last start, she didn’t behave herself and did step.

“She is another one that will be off 20m in the Apple, and that’s too hard for her, so she will probably head towards the other way as well to the mares races,” said Rohan.

Rohan has several chances across the nine-race program and gave a strong push to Flo Jo Carvalho in race two.

The Launceston meeting commences at 13:04.