Magician has drawn barrier seven for the world’s richest harness race, the TAB Eureka at Menangle in south-western Sydney on Saturday night.
His trainer-driver, Todd Rattray, flew up to Sydney on Tuesday to oversee the gelding’s preparation.
Magician is currently the outsider of the 14-horse final field, which includes four emergencies.
The Eureka will have a showcase coverage on Sky Thoroughbred Central.
Mickey Oh, who was runner-up to Magician in the Beautide, tried his luck to get the last spot in the Eureka through the Singo at Menangle two weeks ago, where he finished eighth, is an emergency in the consolation. The Stockade, where he has opened at a triple-figure quote.
The Matthew Howlett trained pacer is also an acceptor in a up to rating 85 event on the program, where he has firmed from $14 to $11 soon after early markets were released.
Closer to home, we saw two good meetings in Hobart and Launceston, and both venues race again this week.
The Stars
Huli Nien – a recent purchase by clients of the Troy Hillier stable, had his first run in the state when he flashed home down the outside to claim the Golden Mile in Launceston on Sunday night. The pacer recorded a mile rate of 1m 54.9s, just 0.5s outside the track record.
Nathan Ford – had a night out in Launceston with a driving treble. Ford has now driven 48 winners for the season and sits third on the state driver’s title.
Malcom Jones – drove a double on the card, including Kosimo in the opening race for his father, Mark. Kosimo was having his first start back from a spell where he dashed home in a 56.3s last half-mile
Custom Harley – opened his winning account in the second heat of the Colts and Geldings Sweepstakes for trainer-driver Heath Woods in Hobart on Friday.
Todd Rattray – recorded a training and driving double on the Hobart card, including Swiatek Leis in the final heat of the Fillies Sweepstakes.
Feats of the meet
Hobart, 25 August
Dylan Ford – driving treble,
Ben Yole – training treble,
Todd Rattray – training and driving double.
Launceston, 27 August
Ben Yole – training quartet,
Nathan Ford – driving treble,
Malcom Jones – driving double.
Calculated Sectional Standouts
Hobart, 25 August
Art Huntsman 56.11s, Custom Harley 57.10s, Cee Tee Chelsea 57.16s, Vincentaur 57.19 and Miss Barty both 57.19s.
Launceston, 27 August
Huli Nien 55.13s, Rackemup Tigerpie 55.71s, Letsgobro 55.93s, Kosimo 56.12s and Karalta Artemis 56.16s.
Tasracing Official Price
Hobart, 25 August
Hit’s: Hes Apples $11 into $3.60, Ranieri $18 into $13, Looby Lombo $2.35 into $1.90.
Defied The Drift: Custom Harley $3.30 out to $4.80, Swiatek Leis $4.60 out to $5.00, Ahsante Queen $4.20 out to $5.00, Iden Black Prince $3.70 out to $4.60, Lalibela $7.00 out to $9.00 and Tee Cee Jay $4.60 out to $6.50.
Missed: Feelinkindalucky $4.40 into $3.30, The Dude $4.40 into $3.30, My Ultimate Jack $18 into $8.50, Proficient $9.00 into $6.50, Letsplayuni $11 into $5.50, Smooth Deal $31 into $13, Rock On Playboy $5.50 into $2.70.
Launceston, 27 August
Hit’s: Fearless Stride $3.30 into $2.40, Where Ya Bin $4.40 into $3.60, Huli Nien $5.00 into $4.00, Gordievsky Leis $6.00 into $4.60 and Major Lester $15 into $8.00
Defied The Drift: Kosimo $1.90 out to $2.20, Mia Regazza $2.05 out to $2.30 and Puntarno Stride $7.50 out to $13.
Missed: Letsgobro $2.40 into $2.15, Not Yet Mum $3.20 into $2.70, Slingshot $4.20 into $3.40, Karalta Artemis $21 into $10, Hy Leinvincible $1.35 into $1.10 and Seventhreeohseven $10 into $6.50.
Week Ahead
Friday: Harness racing in Hobart from 17:56 featuring the David Medhurst Memorial for the claiming novice drivers.
Saturday: Tasmanian trained, owned or bred horses at metropolitan meetings interstate, include:
Menangle:
R1 – Mickey Oh and Kadar,
R6 – Mach Dan,
R7 – Magician,
R8 – Mickey Oh (emg).
Melton:
R1 – Forgot The Wallet and Believe In Forever,
R2 – Lip Reader,
R3 – Alwaysbealady,
R5 – Max Delight,
R6 – Fynn Frost.
Sunday: Harness racing in Launceston from 17:22, with the first race currently scheduled for Sky Racing 2, with the remainder on Sky Racing 1.
Monday: Trials in Hobart from 17:30.