In Brief
- Kohanah has room for improvement says trainer.
- Still Hungover taken no harm from Victorian trip.
- Missin Rock out to cause boilover in the Oaks.
Carlton Draught Tasmanian Derby
Ten pacers will do battle in what is a Tasmania Vs Victoria affair in the Group 3 event.
Longford trainer Todd Rattray will have a two-prong attack in the race including Kohanah who has won six of his ten starts, the gelded son of Sweet Lou was placed in the Tasmanian Guineas last time out where he sat one-out and two-back.
“They went too slow, I didn’t want to go around to the breeze as I don’t think that would have suited him,” said Rattray.
“He got home alright, we have put some pull down blinds on him this week to help him concentrate a bit more, added the trainer-driver.
Kohanah winning in Hobart on 11 February.
The pacer won a three-year-old race for horses with no more than three wins for the season the start prior where he scored a three-metre victory.
“He just waited for them that night, he does that and then kicks again when they get to him,” said Rattray who also prepares Kadar in the race.
Tasmania’s most successful driver of all time Ricky Duggan will take the drive on the last start Carrick winner who has had two runs back from a spell.
“I don’t think we have seen the best of him yet,” said Rattray.
“It is a good draw for him, he will need some luck, but I think he is on the way up, I will leave all the tactics up to Ricky (Duggan) said the trainer.
Tasmanian Trotting Club George Johnson
After a brave third in the Matron Stakes four starts ago, last season’s Bandbox winner Still Hungover will be chasing his seventh career win in the states premier race for mares.
Since she ran in the Matron Stakes, the mare had a Victorian campaign which included a win at Kilmore two starts ago and the trainer Rodney Ashwood isn’t concerned of the 2579 metre trip.
Still Hungover winning the Group 2 Bandbox in Launceston last season.
“It should be no problems for her, she is pretty fit and came back from Victoria looking a billion dollars,” said Rodney.
“I think she will measure up to this field, El Jays Mystery is probably the main one to beat,” added the trainer.
Still Hungover has drawn outside of the front row with Rodney giving the drive to his son Alex.
“I will leave it up to Alex, he has driven her before and knows her well, we have no set plans, you don’t know what will happen the first fifty or sixty metres,” said Rod.
Tasmanian Equine Services Tasmanian Oaks
Brighton based driver Troy McDonald will be chasing his second Tasmanian Oaks when he drives the Eric Jacobson trained Missin Rock in the Group 3 event.
McDonald won the race previously aboard Ghadastar in 2018.
Missin Rock was runner up to A Spanish Dance in the Three Year Old Fillies Championship two starts ago before finishing third to Micton Mouse against the colts and geldings on Sunday.
“She has been racing well, the only disappointment of late was three starts ago where she pulled real hard in front,” said McDonald.
“I’m pleased to see that field which isn’t overly that strong. It is definitely winnable, just disappointing we drew the widest gate, I reckon that she will see the distance out in that field,” added the reinsman.
Watch the replay of Oaks favourite A Spanish Dance winning last start.