Some of the bits and pieces that caught Tim O’Connor’s eye in the world of harness racing…
THE HERO
TOM RUNDLE
Well done to the young Bannockburn trainer, who prepared his first metropolitan winner on Saturday night at Melton.
Rundle has stable star Golden Tribe in great form this campaign and he backed up an incredible Ballarat victory with a dominant performance in the Sharp’s Bakery Pace.
The 25-year-old has now trained 18 career winners and shared the success with Brisbane Lions premiership player Darcy Gardiner, who owns a share in the talented son of Soho Tribeca.
Gardiner races the horse for the Gnotuk Equine Group, which also includes former Lions footballer Lewis Taylor. He owns a number of horses, including Marg and Paddy Lee-trained top-liners Code Bailey and Jilliby Ballerini.
Watch the replay here.
DID YOU SEE…
THE LONG-AWAITED WIN
An intriguing runner prevailed at Melton Entertainment Park on Friday evening.
Rattle My Cage made his debut as an eight-year-old on September 19, and while it wasn’t a fairytale ending for trainer-driver Glenn Williams on that occasion, he bounced back to win seven days later.
Williams says the long delay in getting to the races was largely due to the effects of the horse being a rig – a problem which eventually required surgery – but he’s finally got him up and going and into the winner’s circle.
It’s great to see a long and difficult journey reap some rewards!
Watch the replay here.
DID YOU SEE…
LUKE’S SURPRISE MOMENT
Luke Humpreys has been enjoying a whirlwind overseas holiday, but unexpectedly found himself back in the caller’s box during his travels earlier this month.
Humphreys was only given a few minutes to prepare, but did a wonderful job calling a race at The Meadowlands in the United States.
You can check out his call by searching for race six at The Meadowlands on September 14 via the TAB app or website.
FROM THE RACING OFFICE
FEATURE RACING AT HQ
Group 1 racing returns to Victoria this coming Saturday night.
Two rich $60,000 finals of the Need For Speed series will provide a major highlight at the Melton meeting.
Other features include the $30,000 Casey Classic and $30,000 Group 3 Australasian Trotting Championship.
ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK…
YAPPER
Convinced this bloke is going well and just needs some clear air to be going close in a race soon.
Yapper has been held up to the line in his most recent three starts, including last time at Melton when he seemingly had plenty to give.
Stick with him.
SOMETHING TO PONDER…
If you’re ever travelling through Victoria’s Mallee region, make sure you take a detour through Watchem.
I called through the little town on Monday and found time to visit the incredible art on a water tank at the old football oval.
It features paintings of homegrown harness heroes Graeme Lang and Ian McCallum.
Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.
