A HARNESS racing sulky imported from the USA may have played a dominant role in the effortless win by Modern Judge in a 3YO at The TOTE Racing Centre Launceston on Sunday night.
The gelding’s trainer Brett Jaffray has been waiting just over four months for the arrival of the silky that was ordered on the recommendation of Geedlee’s driver Sam Rawnsley who uses a similar gig on his star pacer.
On Sunday night Modern Judge trailed the leader Safe Prospect and enjoyed a cozy run before being eased off the fence to challenge at the top of the home straight.
When Jaffray called on the son of Modern Art for the supreme effort the gelding quickly hauled in the leader and went on to defeat that horse by almost 13 metres with Iden Noshot over five metres astern.
Modern Judge ran the 2200-metre journey in 2m.48.5s and clocked a mile rate of 2m.03.2.
“He probably would have won without the new sulky given the good run he had,” Jaffray said.
“But the sulky is about 15 kilograms heavier than the Australian ones we’ve been used to and the seat is extremely comfortable and overall it seems more stable and sturdy,” he said.
He was sure of the brand name of the sulky as the purchase was arranged by the horse’s owners Brett and Ian Collins, Peter Jones and Gary Murfet.
Modern Judge was purchased at the 2009 Tasmanian Yearling Sale for $14,500 and so far has proven to be a bargain buy.
This was only his second win but he possesses untapped ability.
His bad habits early in his career probably prevented him from winning at least two other races and last season he was first across the line in a 2YO event only to be relegated on protest.
Jaffray said he plans to head Modern Judge towards the Tasmanian Derby in Hobart late next month.
“If the horse keeps improving, as I expect he will, then he’ll be in the Derby,” Jaffray said.