Trainer/driver Mark Yole gives insight into his drives at Hobart and Launceston this weekend.
Hobart – Friday 27 September
R1 – Kerala Star: This gelding is going much better than his figure form appears. I thought his effort here last week was very good. He sat outside the smart Triedtotellya, who set a very solid tempo. He battled on strongly. Draws the pole and in the small field I think he will run a great race.
R2 – Rocks Roy: Absolutely flying of late. The draw is a little tricky in the small field. In saying that I should be able to get a good sit off the speed and watch him hitting the line strongly again. Any luck he’ll be right in the finish.
R3 – Online Model: This is a very strong race. I’ll be driving for luck and taking the shortest way home on the pegs.
R4 – Alexis Rocket: Some much better efforts at his past two runs, he seems to be getting better with race fitness. The draw is very tough; however, he has shown he can do work in his races so I’d be hoping for a forward showing here.
R5 – Soho Undertaker: A bit of a frustrating run last week where he is still doing plenty wrong. If he puts it all together it wouldn’t shock me to see him right in this.
R6 – Sapphire Gambler: Lovely effort last week to just go down by the barest of margins. The draw is a little awkward, but I will just play it by ear at the start as he is better with cover but if I have to push forward to get into a handy position, I may do that. With genuine tempo in the race, he will be right up there.
R7 – My Ultimate Jacko: Consistent little pacer, who needs to be driving for his fast 300-metre sprint. He drops well back in grade here. If I can slot in with cover early, he will be hard to hold out late.
Launceston – Sunday 29 September
R1 – Smooth Reason: A very promising 2YO filly. I’m very excited to drive her here. Three rivals to do battle with, I think she will be very hard to beat. She has shown that she can do work in her races and finish off so if there is no speed I won’t be afraid to put some into it.
R4 – Sharmey: Consistent veteran, he rarely runs a poor race. The draw hurts him here. I’ll go back early and drive him for luck, if he gets it, he could fill the placings.
R5 – We Salute You: Another consistent veteran. He was a good winner in Hobart last week when finishing off strongly. He usually steps away well and if he does, we will then look for cover and try to use his sprint over the last 400. A real smokey in this field.
R6 – Bumpy J: A handy winner in Hobart last week, where he showed gate speed to find the lead and then bowled along in front and was too strong for his rivals. A little stronger opposition here but I can’t see why he can’t repeat the dose if he is able to get across the one-horse early. It did trial nicely at Carrick last week from the sit, so I’d hope to cross it. Didyoulosearoosta looks to have his share of ability but has also shown he can do things wrong.
R7 – Gottahaveahobbie: Interesting runner. His figure form only looks average, but he is first up in the state, and I liked the way he trialled at Carrick last week. The draw is tricky, and I may have to go back at the start and drive for luck. I’m hoping he can run a good race.
R8 – Yareckon Im Sweet: A very strong race for this mare to contend with. I’ve liked the way she has been going at her past few starts but this looks a little tough for her.
