Hugo Play is again making an impact in open class harness racing in Tasmania with his effort to win the Launceston Mile (1680m) at the Luxbet Racing Centre in Launceston on Sunday night one of his best efforts since joining the Shelley Barnes stable late last year.
Hugo Play faced the breeze for most of the race and when driver Gareth Rattray called on the gelded son of Jr Mint for the supreme effort he forged clear and then staved off a determined challenge from eventual runner-up Riverboat Jasper that had enjoyed the run of the race in the one-out-one-back position.
Blackjackhanover led and he traveled well to the home turn but he was unable to match it with Higo Play once the pressure was applied.
Hugo Play has had seven starts for Barnes for two wins and four minor placings for almost $18,000 in stakes but that might soar if the gelding retains his good form.
"I guess we'll have a look at the Easter Cup as his main goal and that will most likely include going in the Easter Cup heats but in the meantime I'll back him up in the Governor's Cup in Hobart this Sunday night," Barnes said.
It was the first time Hugo Play has won over a mile (1680m) with his mile rate of 1:57.4 only 2.4 seconds outside the track record and just 0.9 off his personal best mile rate of 1:56.5 set in Melbourne three years ago over 2240 metres.
"The horse is going better than I ever expected he would when I first took over his training and while he is in such good form we'll keep pushing on.
"I have to manage his work and racing program because he has delicate feet but he seems to be responding to how I train him.
"I work him on the grass at home and I swim him a lot to help with his fitness levels."
Peter Staples