News Article

Gillie sets sights on Burnie Cup

17 / 11 / 2014 Article by: TR Internal
Willbe Doc (Troy Hillier) after his impressive win in Launceston icon Click to enlarge

BURNIE harness racing trainer Robert Gillies will target his home town cup with Willbe Doc following the gelding’s impressive win in Launceston on Sunday night.

Willbe Doc was returning from a short spell in the Mustad Australia Stakes over 1680 metres and while almost friendless in the betting ($16) he powered home to defeat race leader Original Art ($7) by 1-1/2 metres with Notimetothink over four metres away third.

The six-year-old gelding clocked a mile rate of 1:58.9 which pleased his trainer.

“He’s gone really well tonight and that’s the first time he’s broken two minutes,” said Gillies who also part-owns the gelding.

“He’s always been a consistent horse – not quite top class but a good money-spinner.”

“He is a class four horse now and that qualifies him to run in the Burnie Cup which is a race I’ve always wanted to win,” he said.

Willbe Doc was well driven by Troy Hillier who sat back and waited until the right time to release the rains and when he did the gelding responded magnificently.

Willbe Doc has recorded eight wins and 23 minor placings from his 49 starts which is testament to his consistency.

Photo courtesy of Greg Mansfield.