TRICKY TAILS produced one of the best performances seen on the Launceston track this year when he powered home to win the J. G. Nelson Division Three final for grade five chasers.
The Joan Nichols-trained dog was near last approaching the home turn and looked set to miss a place but he unleashed an unbelievable finish to grab victory in the shadows of the post.
Lapland showed his customary early speed to lead from box seven while Rory Mac also began well to settle second at the first turn while Tricky Tails copped a bump and dropped out last.
He was checked again nearing the home turn when he began his charge and he also was held up turning for home.
Lapland and Rory Mac were neck and neck up the home straight and looked set to figure in a head-bobbing finish when Tricky Tails barged his way between the leaders close to home and ended up scoring by a head from Lapland with Rory Mac a half-head astern.
It was clearly a career best performance and while his time of 30.24 was well off his personal best over the distance it was without question a brilliant effort to win from where he was 100 metres out.
Lapland and Rory Mac were honest while Arnhen Villain also tried hard and battled on to finish fourth.
By Peter Staples.