Punters nation wide are well aware of the driving prowess of Rohan Hadley and his army of followers were smiling all the way to the bank after he drove four winners at the Devonport meeting on Monday 14 May. The starting prices and winners were Beef City Bianca ($22.40), Azarenka Leis ($8.70), Bunjil Boy ($12.40) and Barrys Best ($11.20). For those who love to dream, a $1 all up bet on the four winners would have returned a staggering $27,064.90.
Hadley’s weekend included another long priced winner with the Eric Jacobson trained Dusty Kalena ($23.20) at Hobart on Sunday 13 May. Four winners was not a personal best for Hadley as he piloted five to victory at Launceston on 23 August 2009.
Hadley was measured when discussing his outstanding performance. “Everything happened on the night. All got the runs they needed and responded at the right time,” said Hadley.
Beef City Bianca, raced by the Clifton’s from Rockhampton (Qld), is a three year old half sister to the open class performer Beef City Beau. Trainer Andrew Rawlings has been patient with the filly. She was spelled after one start as a two year old and was having her fifth lifetime start when she obtained the perfect Devonport trail behind the leader and took full advantage of the late split to win by four metres from Mugger Mac (Erin Hollaway) and Good Beginnings (Nathan Ford).
“We were expecting a placing leading into the race, but she has benefited from race fitness and Andrew has been able to iron out a few minor issues. She did everything right and won well,” stated Hadley.
Azarenka Leis is a well bred four year old mare that has performed consistently throughout her career for trainer/driver Shelley Barnes. Her previous win was 12 starts back at Hobart on 18 December 2011. After her next 11 starts produced only two placings, trainer Shelley Barnes decided to seek a second opinion from Hadley as to her racing future.
Hadley went back early from the wide draw and, aided by the breakneck early speed, was able to work into the race late and win easily by seven meters from Bertils Rocket (Troy Hillier) and Little Elf (Keith Toulmin).
“The tempo was ideal for her,” said Hadley. “She has demonstrated a tendency to grab the bit but that wasn’t an option with the pace on early. The last half was slow (61.9) but the overall mile rate of 2:01.4 was quick for Devonport.”
Hadley’s third winner was Bunjil Boy. “I was not surprised by the win as he was a real good run at Hobart (7 May) when he got held up and was an unlucky fourth. He has to be driven in and under and he relished the run behind the leader,” commented Hadley.
The Hadley quartet came up with the Barry Close trained Barrys Best after enjoying a soft run three back on the fence. “Again, the run was the factor,” said Hadley. “He has been a frustrating horse but everything fell into place. Three back on the fence and out late is perfect for Barrys Best.”
The 43 year old Bridport reinsman has regularly driven between 20 and 60 winners a season since he was first licensed in 1986. His best year was 59 winners when second to Gareth Rattray in 2006/2007. Hadley has 35 winners this season, half the total of tear away leader Gareth Rattray (70). Rohan Hillier (48) is second with Rick Duggan (42) third.