Tasmanian harness racing trainer-driver Dylan Ford was content to put Buster Bruv in the spelling paddock after only four starts as a two-year-old last season and it looks like the move will pay big dividends.
The colt by Santastics Pan won on debut and after two minor placings from his next three starts he was sent for a spell.
In Hobart last night the colt delivered a warning that he could be a serious competitor in some of the better quality three-year-old events this season.
Buster Bruv showed good gate speed to lead but having spent plenty of energy to obtain the front Ford opted to ease and take a trail when James Austin pushed for the lead aboard Safari Sunshine.
But in the back straight the last time the leader shifted up the track and Ford pounced on the opportunity to drive Buster Bruv up along the rail to regain the lead and once balanced at the top of the home straight the colt forged clear.
Buster Bruv ($2.40 fav) went on to score by over 14 metres from Jimmy Da Panda ($12) with Safari Sunshine ($5.50) hanging on for third ahead of Hilargi.
Listen to what trainer-driver Dylan Ford had to say about Buster Bruv's first-up win.
Peter Staples