TALENTED harness racing trainer-driver Zeke Slater will persist with plans to tackle the Easter Cup with his consistent pacer Camivell Rock after the gelding scored a narrow but impressive win in the Willows Tavern Light Harness Tasmania Cup over 2579 metres in Hobart on Sunday night.
With Slater in the sulky, Camivell Rock stepped well from his 40-metre handicap and was settled just worse than midfield after travelling 600 metres.
Slater then opted to send his charge around the field to assume control in front.
But Drifting West’s driver Christian Salter had the same idea and soon after urged his horse forward and so fast did he sprint he was able to cross to the lead and then proceeded to stack the field with a modest tempo and with his main danger on his back.
Drifting West looked to have the race in his keeping but Slater was able to get Camivell Rock off the fence and into clean air to chase half-way up the home straight and the gelding hit the line a nose clear of Drifting West.
It was a masterful piece of horsemanship from Slater and a testament to the horse’s courage and will to win.
However, the all clear was delayed when reinsman Adrian Duggan requested to view the video footage with the intent to protest against the winner for alleged interference in the back straight after travelling a lap.
Slater allowed Camivell Rock to cross down to the fence when it appeared he was not sufficiently clear of the leader Karalta Wizard (Adrian Duggan) causing that horse to break and fall back through the fired.
Duggan viewed the patrol film but in the end opted not to fire in a protest.
Listen to what a much relieved trainer-driver Zeke Slater had to say about Camivell Rock’s win after the race – click here.