Triedtotellya continued his impressive first-up and sprint course record when he broke the state record, winning the Hillwood Sharks Football Club Stakes (1680m) in Launceston on Sunday afternoon, commencing a potential tilt for the upcoming Easter Cup.
Sent out as the $1.22 favourite, the five-year-old Well Said gelding was caught three-wide in the early stages before finding the spot outside the leader near the 1050m and drawing clear late to score by 2.3m from Mr Bondi ($10), with Neon ($18) a further 10.5m away third.
The mile rate of 1:53.7s, which broke the state record of 1:54.1s, was held by four horses across Launceston, Hobart and Carrick, including Magician and Sherockssherolls, who jointly held the Launceston track record.
“I was surprised by the time. I would have thought they went 1:56.0s, but that’s the way he feels, as he gets over the ground that much, but he did a good job on a blustery day,” said Hillier post-race.
It was the first time that Triedtotellya had stepped out for the Hillier stable, having joined his team after a tendon issue. Hillier’s facilities include a swimming pool and access to a beach.
“He has pulled up well, and hopefully, he stays sound.”
Hillier has Easter Cup ambitions for the pacer. But, there is one thing standing in his way of the pacer and the heats on 13 April, getting him qualified from a standing start after an unsuccessful attempt at the Carrick Park trials last week.
The only chance the stable has to get him qualified will be at the Carrick trials on 7 April.
“The Easter Cup is right on his doorstep if he can qualify,” the trainer-driver said.
The win was the first leg of a training and driving double for Hillier, who won the Pearce Family Hillwood Stakes (2200m) with Watch It Happen.
The pacer is expected to leave the state this week to continue racing interstate.
