Talented pacer Buster Bruv again showed why he will be heading to some of the state's feature harness racing three-year-old events with an impressive win in the CUB Pace over 2090 metres at Luxbet Park Hobart on Sunday.
The Dylan Ford-trained gelding showed good early speed to lead from a wide front-row gate (6) and while his trainer-driver slowed the tempo for a pedestrian first quarter of 34 seconds it was the way he toyed with his rivals at the business end that impressed most.
When Ford allowed the gelded son of Santastics Pan more rein in the home straight he burst clear and went on to score by almost 17 metres from Roll West that faced the breeze for the last lap with Really Frank third but eight metres astern.
Buster Bruv ($1.20 fav) covered the journey in 2.41.1 for a mile rate of 2.04 but ran home his last half (800m) in 57.5 but his last 400m was covered in 27.9 and without being fully extended.
"I've had this horse since he was a yearling and while he didn't show me a lot early on he has grown into a very nice horse and he keeps improving which is a good sign," Ford said.
Buster Bruv has had only six starts for three wins and two minor placings.
Peter Staples