Racing
Dad and Dave cracks open the Launceston Guineas
Visitor too strong in the Launceston Guineas.
Victorian galloper Dad And Dave ($3.70) passed his first test of the Tasmanian summer with flying colours, as he raced away with Wednesday night's Listed Kevin Sharkie Launceston Guineas (2000m).
The Ciaron Maher-trained three-year-old gelding proved too strong late for smart local filly, and race favourite, Crack The Shutters ($1.85), with that pair clearing out from Wolf Junior ($4.20) in third place.
Regular rider Eoin Walsh made the trip across to partner Dad and Dave, giving him a faultless ride after settling in the back half in the small field.
"He's really come on. I have a lot to do with the horse, as I ride him at Ballarat quite a bit. Today he was a bit awkward, still a bit green and babyish, but he did it real nicely in the end," Walsh said.
After the Launceston Guineas success, the Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) in Hobart on 6 February is the next target for Dad and Dave, with the jockey excited about his prospects for that race.
"He's going to be a promising horse for the Derby. I'm looking forward to riding him in it. He's an out and out stayer," said Walsh.
Crack the Shutters will have lost few admirers in defeat, particularly carrying equal topweight of 58kg as the only filly in the race. Connections will now have a decision on whether she continues to run in fillies' staying races such as the Strutt Stakes and the Tasmanian Oaks.
Special K's
The support card on Launceston Guineas night was dominated by apprentice jockey Sam Kennedy and trainer John Keys, who combined for three winners.
The pair put the writing on the wall early in the night when Goddess Of Rock ($6.50) stormed home from the back of the field to upset hot favourite Daytona Diva ($1.24) in a 1600m Class 3.
They later added wins with Johnnie Pinch ($2.80) and Nicco The Greek ($10) in two legs of the quaddie. All up, John Keys took five runners to Launceston and left with three winners and two placings.
"It's sensational, and what a little rider (Sam Kennedy) is," said Keys after the last of his winning treble.
"Everybody's working really hard, and we're getting results."
From 36 rides for the Keys stable, Sam Kennedy has returned 10 winners and an additional 10 placings.
"I'm loving the opportunities I'm getting down here in Tassie, and it's transcending into Melbourne where I'm getting chances with bigger stables and some rides in town," said the Victorian-based apprentice.
Rainfall impacted conditions for the eight-race card, with showers throughout the first hour of the meeting, resulting in a downgrade of the track from a soft 5 to a soft 6 after two races.
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