Underrated harness racing mare Followthewind repaid her staunch followers with an effortless all-the-way win at the Luxbet Racing Centre in Launceston on Sunday night.
Followthewind had strung together a bunch of minor placings since winning in Hobart in early July but with the aid of the pole position (barrier one) the five-year-old mare was able to find the lead and driver Ricky Duggan had no trouble in dictating the speed of the race.
After being left alone in front Followthewind slipped clear at the top of the home straight and went on to score by almost six metres from Campaign Drive with Im Justforyou over four metres astern.
It was a bold display of front-running with the daughter of Mister Big (USA) scampering over the 1680 metres in 2m.05.2s for a sub two-minute mile rate of 1.59.9.
Followthewind is owned and raced by Barry Cooper and Jamie Cockshutt who have enjoyed a lot of success since they teamed up about five years ago.
Followthewind has won eight of her 21 starts as well as nine minor placings for almost $50,000 in stakes.
There was a lot to like about Followthewind's latest win but the run of Buriton Bailey also caught the eye, coming from well back to finish fifth and only 11 metres from the winner.
Look for Buriton Bailey in the coming weeks and especially if the 10-year-old draws the front line.
Peter Staples