UNDERRATED trainer Chris Howlett has a knack of winning first-up with new stable tenants which was the case in Hobart on Sunday night with his recently acquired four-year-old Ark West.
Ark West (Rod Ashwood) showed good early speed to lead from gate three and after kicking clear on the home turn he had enough in reserve to stave off all challengers in the straight.
He went on to score comfortably from Jet Black Flyer and El Jays Maverick, recording a mile rate for the 2090-metres of 2m.04.5s with a last half (880m) of 60.5s.
Ark West (Totally Western-Ark Drifter) was bred and raced by prominent breeder Denis Mahoney who sold the gelding to Howlett for $5000.
“There were a few of us who were looking for a horse to race and a have a bit of fun with and this is the one we bought,” Howlett said.
“His form was fair and he is from a good family but winning first-up is probably a bit of a bonus.”
“Rod Ashwood and I opted to pout a syndicate together with him (Ashwood) to drive and me to train,” he said.
Ark West arrived in Howlett’s stable having been to the races 25 times for four wins and as many minor placings.
The gelding is raced by Donna Howlett, Paige Ashwood, Jodie Heawood and Darren Morgan,
Listen to what trainer Chris Howlett had to say about Ark West’s first-up win for the stable – click here.