Harness racing in Tasmania this Sunday night is at UBET Park Hobart, where the Tasmanian Pacing Club will stage an eight event program, following the very successful Horse Expo meeting at the track the previous Sunday.
This week the principal race is the time honored Brighton Cup. The race was staged at Brighton, for most of the 20th century up to the closure of the track in 1975. The race has only attracted a small field of six and looks like another win to the inform Motu Crusader, who has won his last three starts.
Another feature of the meeting are the first two heats of the 6ty Degrees Consulting Youngbloods Series, for junior drivers. The first heat looks like a match between the Barry Rattray trained Vishpala and the Rod Ashwood trained Playstationking. The second heat looks like going to the Zeke Slater Fletcher’s Knight , who was impressive in his last start win.
The classy filly Followthewind should continue on her winning way in the opening event on the program.
Last Friday night at Tabcorp Park Melton, north west coast pacer Modern Ruler scored an easy all the way 3.3 metre win in the Mernda Probus Club Pace for MO pacers. Modern Ruler was driven by his Spreyton owner, trainer Steve Davis. Modern Ruler is a six year gelded son of Modern Art and Lady in Charge, a daughter of Fake Left. He was bred by Devonport Harness Racing Club committeeman Larry Nichols who has also bred Major Ruler (8 wins) and Jasper Ruler (2 wins) from the mare. Modern Ruler recorded a 1:56.6 mile rate for the 1720 metre journey and was the gelding’s 13th win.
Modern Ruler has now joined the James Rattray stable and will contest a $21,000 MO. The second race at Menangle from barrier six on Saturday night.
By Peter Cooley