Talented harness racing reinsman Troy Hillier had hoped to secure a cosy run in a race in Launceston last Sunday night that would have given his charge These Days every opportunity to emerge triumphant.
These Days drew barrier eight which meant he started from the inside of the second row and even though he knew the horse that drew directly in front of him, Red Sun Bliss, had no genuine early speed he never expected to be shuffled back to near last and four-back the fence after the field had traveled 300 metres.
These Days was still last leaving the back straight the last time with race leader Regal Idea travelling comfortably without having exhausted too much energy.
But when Vander Jenkins eased out three-wide turning for home Hillier latched onto the back of that horse for a cart home.
When Hillier eased These Days four-wide to challenge the six-year-old charged home and hit the line with a half-metre to spare over Vander Jenkins with Regal Idea a distant third.
"At one stage I thought I might be in a bit of trouble because there was no way out and I really didn't want to ease right back to last," Hillier said.
"But I was able to her hi off the fence turning for home and when he balanced up in the straight he worked home well."
These Days is trained by Kate McLeod at Bridport and given how he gelding hit the line there should be more wins in store for the son of Blissfull Hall in the coming weeks.
These Days has won five and been laced a dozen times from 28 starts for close to $33,000 in stakes.
Peter Staples