WITH Todd Rattray out of action with a broken left wrist, his father Barrie Rattray has been forced to take on most of the stable drives and he continues to show why he is a multiple premiership winner as both trainer and driver.
Barrie was at it again at Devonport on Monday night guiding the lightly raced Who Is Hardeen to victory for long-time stable client Mark Panton.
Who Is Hardeen (Art Major-Kathian Princess) began well from his outside front-row draw (6) and Rattray was keen to allow his charge to face the breeze outside of the heavily backed favourite Thai Champ ($1.60), that had no trouble in finding the lead from gate two.
The pair matched motors to the home turn and then when the going got tough Rattray showed why he has won 13 driver premierships by getting the most out of his charge without too much exertion.
It also was a case of a more experienced horse emerging triumphant over one that was having only his second start.
Who Is Hardeen went to the races 12 times last season for three wins and four minor placings while this was his first win this time in but he had been placed twice from four prior outings this time in.
Todd Rattray is not expected to resume driving for another month.
Barrie was sidelined for a long time with a shoulder injury but from what the stalwart reinsman has delivered recently he is pleased to be back in the cart.