Queensland war horse Destreos moved another step closer to registering 100 wins when he powered home to secure win number 98 in a free-for-all at Luxbet Park Hobart on Sunday night.
The Ken Rattray-trained gelding was having his 442nd start but the 14-year-old looked as spritely as ever as he stormed around the field with over a lap to go to take up the running.
Once in front driver Gareth Rattray ensured a solid tempo and he had a lapful of horse at the bell.
The moves from the trailers came thick and fast from the 500-metre peg but the old stalwart had another gear to find.
When Rattray called on Destreos to find the gelding dug deep and hit the line with almost two metres to spare over Mister Lennox that had enjoyed a cosy run in the race with Roger Ramjet battling on gamely for third about five metres astern.
"It was a clever drive and a solid win which gets him closer to his 100th win," Rattray said.
Destreos has notched two wins since the Rattray family arrived in Tasmania from Queensland in April.
Rattray left his home state 20 years ago to settle in Queensland but when the industry showed signs of deteriorating in that state he and his partner Sally Stingel, who owns Destreos, made a beeline to Tassie and they says it is the best move they could have made.
"Everything is working out as we had hoped and the horses are thriving, including Destreos."
Destreos will line up in a discretionary handicap in Launceston on Sunday and will start off a back mark of 30 metres.
"He is good from a stand so he won't be far off them soon after the start and I expect him to be very competitive next Sunday."
Rattray says Destreos will head to Carrick, a country track in the north of the state, on New Year's Eve where he will be a special guest of the club and patrons are welcome to have their photograph taken with the horse which would be a marvellous keepsake if or when the horse has amassed 100 wins.
Peter Staples