Tim O'Connor picks his favourite bits from the harness racing week that was and the one ahead...

THE HERO

ALEX ASHWOOD

It has been a long and successful harness racing journey for Alex Ashwood, and last Friday was another reason to celebrate.

The 31-year-old brought up his 300th career training success with a treble at one of his favourite venues, Mildura.

Ashwood’s training career is highlighted by Parisian Artiste’s Group 1 Vicbred Super Series win in 2021, while his 841 victories as a driver are headlined by Dont Care’s elite-level triumph in a VSS final back in 2020.

Well done, Albie!

HOW GOOD WAS…

THAT MILDURA ATMOSPHERE

Fair to say there was a bit of carry-on at last Friday’s Mildura meeting!

And it even got the better of caller Luke Humphreys, who burst out into laugher as he called the horses across the line in the final event of the afternoon.

Luke couldn’t help but find the funny side to the gathering of enthusiastic racegoers, who roared home Letsgo Big Girl to win the last event on the card.

There was no missing the group, who appeared to have given the on-track bar plenty of business during what looked like a fun afternoon trackside in the Sunraysia.

You love to see it.

Have a listen to the celebrations with the race eight replay here.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR...

A TROTTER v THE PACERS

Haven’t seen this for a while in Victoria, but a trotter will battle the pacers this afternoon at Mildura.

Gunsen Rosie will make her debut for the Naomi Kerr stable in the Hot FM 106.7 Hot To Trot Pace from barrier one at 4.17pm.

The daughter of Used To Me will race well up in grade, with her national rating of 33 much lower than her NR up to 49 pacing rivals.

HRV’s racing office intends to provide opportunities for trotters in the Sunraysia region, with races likely to be programmed for that gait at Mildura from August.

POP THIS IN YOUR DIARY

JACKPOTS

Once again, the jackpot money has been spread out across four races this Saturday night at Melton.

The TAB has confirmed First 4 pools in races 1-4 will be boosted by $2,500.

ONE FOR THE BLACK BOOK

HES ALL TORQUE

This bloke has been in great form since joining the Peter Manning stable in Great Western, and he looks ready to win very soon.

The son of Pet Rock is engaged in the opening race at Melton this Saturday night, where he looks a good chance. But if it’s not this weekend, then I’d be surprised if he wasn’t saluting very soon.

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Do you fancy a wager on the Saturday night metropolitan meetings at Melton, but often get frustrated when a horse you like has been backed heavily and you’ve missed the odds?

If so, it’s worth keeping an eye on the early markets with Sportsbet and other wagering service providers.

In recent times, markets for the Saturday night Victorian meeting have been going up around 3pm on Thursday afternoons, with the free-for-all events usually live much earlier on Tuesdays following the release of fields.

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.