DRIFTING WEST made it three wins from his past four starts when he led all the way to take out the first heat of the Horse of the Year Stakes at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart tonight (Sunday).
Drifting West (Modern Art-Ark Drifter) showed his customary early speed to lead from barrier two and once in front his trainer-driver ensured a solid pace and then left his rivals in his wake in the home straight.
Drifting West hit the line almost four metres clear of Genuflect with Bettor Draw over two metres away third after spotting the leader 20 metres in the back straight the last time
Drifting West scampered over the 1609-metre trip in 1m:59.22s and he ran home his last half (800m) in a slick 58.09 seconds.
Drifting West has struck a purple patch of form with this latest win his third from his past four starts.
Salter said the gelding had matured into a handy pacer and while he may be a bit short of top class he will be competitive in whatever he contests in the coming weeks.
Drifting West’s main mission this season is the Raider Stakes (Tasmanian sires stakes) for four-year-olds in Devonport in April.
Listen to what trainer-driver Christian Salter had to say about drifting West’s latest win – click here.