Harness racing trainer driver Lisa Miles drove a winning double last night at Tabcorp Park Melton from just two starters.
Miles’ evergreen trotter Michael Thomas (9G, Malabar Maple/Krysta) won the Haras Des Trotteurs Handicap and stablemate Virgil Hilts (4G, Grinfromeartoear / Telern Hilda) took the Goldacres Pacers Handicap.
Michael Thomas’ win was his 12th from 69 starts and brought the nine-year-old within $8000 of the $100,000 career stakes mark.
VIDEO: MICHAEL THOMAS TAKES OUT THE TROT AT MELTON
The 2013 Maryborough Trotters Cup winner stepped best from pole to lead in the 2760-metre trip, Miles able to control the race to suit when left unchallenged throughout.
Michael Thomas was well-tried in betting, into $4 late, the writing on the wall after an eye-catching run last time out. He rated 2:06.2.
Race favourite The Boss Man ($2.70) finished 6.1m behind the winner in second, while Leannes Boy was third.
Virgil Hilts’ win was nearly a carbon copy of Michael Thomas’, stepping best from behind the tapes to lead, controlling proceedings and kicking strongly at the finish.
The four-year-old started $5.30 and held off Trison ($3.10) and fast-finishing Chestervale Jet ($30.40) in a mile rate of 2:01.6.
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Cody Winnell
Harness Racing Victoria
