Top Tasmanian harness racing trainer-breeder Paul Hill had a lot of success last season with his star two-year-olds Hillview Jake and Chica Bella with the pair named Tasmania's best two-year-olds in their respective gender categories.
In Launceston last night they both scored impressive wins to suggest they will be just as dominant at three.
Hillview Jake (Ricky Duggan) was having his fifth start for the season and after settling midfield with cover he powered home to score an impressive win in a strong C1 event over 2200 metres to take this season's record to four wins and a second from five outings.
"I couldn't be happier with what Hillview Jake has done this time in and while he got pulling a bit last night It's only a minor glitch and something I can get him to overcome with a slight change of gear," Hill said.
"Other than that he is coming along fine and we are bang on target to tackle the Tasmania Derby and then onto the Globe Derby before he goes out for a spell.
Chica Bella was even more impressive in winning the 3YO Fillies Championship over 2200 metres.
The filly drew the outside of the front row (7) and tried to cross early but she was forced four-wide so driver Ricky Duggan had no option but to ease he back to last.
He took off three-wide with cover behind the well-backed Itz Gemmas Delight but when that filly found the front 600 metres out Hill's filly pushed on to race at the leader's wheel.
But when Duggan called on Chica Bella for the big effort in the home straight she forged to the front and had enough in reserve to stave off a late bid from Riverlegirl with Itz Gemmas Delight a close-up third.
"I was absolutely rapt with Chica Bella and I don't think anyone could possibly doubt her ability after that run," Hill said.
It was Chica Bella's fourth win in succession this time in and she will now be aimed at the Tasmanian Oaks at the end of March and then go to the Bandbox series before heading to the paddock.
Peter Staples