Iden Forest has caused many headaches for many people in his 31-start racing career, and last night in Hobart the gelded son of Major In Art showed what he is capable of when he registered his third career victory in the Triple M Hobart Pace, but the win wasn’t all smooth sailing as trainer Chris Howlett reflected after the win
“He had a gear failure tonight, the lugging pole got attached to the bit, he locked up on the outside which didn’t give Mathew (Howlett, driver) any control, he is bad enough as it is so we didn’t need that happening,” said Howlett
Iden Forest ($7.50) was out of position by approximately half a length when the starter released the field to settle one-out and four-back before working to the spot outside the leader from the 1200-metre mark
The gelding was inclined to lay in significantly around the corners but when he balanced up in the home straight he put the field away to score a 5.8-metre victory in a mile rate of 2m 3.1s
It was only the second time in 16-starts that Iden Forest has been placed on the Hobart track
“He has been frustrating for everybody, not only for me but the trainer’s before,” said the trainer who also acknowledged the work of Paul Williams before Iden Forest arrived in his care
Iden Forest has been out of the draw for his past three starts and unfortunately for connections the horse has to be drawn out the back again for a few more starts
“He races best when he is up on the speed and tonight he would have been back in the draw if it wasn’t for the gear malfunction early, unfortunately, we will have to put up with being out of the draw for a few more starts,” Howlett said after last night’s win
The five-year-old has shown ability in his racing career but if he continues to deliver going forward the trainer has one concern
“He just lacks some high speed which may hurt him when he gets up in grade,” the trainer explained
The pacer was bred and part-owned by Elliot Booth, who has had interest from interstate to purchase the pacer
“There has been some interest for him on the mainland but I will leave that decision in the owner’s hands,” said Howlett
Punters were cashed up after the second event on the card when Koolaz Elvis was backed in from $8.00 to start the $3.20 favourite.
The gelded son of Courage Under Fire put the writing on the wall at his start prior in Launceston where he settled in the back half of the field and was doing his best work late to finish fourth to Similan Beach in a fast last half.
Since that effort, Koolaz Elvis joined the stables of Conor Crook who also took the drive in last night’s event where he was able to settle on the back of the leader, before working into the clear at the top of the home straight to score by a half head
Talented four-year-old Cool Water Paddy continued on his winning way when he led all the way to score first-up from a spell in a slick mile of 1m 56.7s
Another horse to continue on their winning way was One Yankee Ginga in the trotters event while Ryley Major was too quick late for Call Me Hector in the free-for-all.
Duncan Dornauf