Todd Rattray produced a training-driving treble at the harness racing meetings at Luxbet Park Hobart, Tasmania, last Sunday night that included another impressive win by his unbeaten Bettor's Delight two-year-old Hafter.
His other winners were Guesstamate in a C-1 and The Bettormack.
Hafter is unbeaten from four starts but Rattray is confident the well-bred two-year-old gelding will be even better next season.
"He has done all we've asked of him this season but we've always been of the opinion he will be a better three and four-year-old," Rattray said.
"This was probably his best win because we sat back for the first bit of the race in the small field and when I asked him to sprint and get around them he ran to them quickly and when Christian (Salter)'s horse kicked up he had to do a bit of work to the front.
"But in the end he won well so we'll go to a $10,000 race in Launceston next Sunday night, if it holds up, then tip him out for a spell."
Guesstamate, a three-year-old filly by Rock n Roll Heaven and owned by long-time stable client Barry Stewart, had been placed five times before this maiden win.
The Betttormack had been unplaced at his two previous starts in standing start races but back to a mobile start he was untroubled to score comfortably in a C4-C5 event over 1609 metres.
"I think we'll definitely concentrate on mobile starts with The Bettormack but it might not be long before he heads off to Sydney to join my brother James' stable."
Ricky Duggan also drove a treble at the meeting while Todd's older brother Gareth Rattray drove a double.
Peter Staples