Harness racing trainer Kent Rattray produced an incredible training feat to produce last season's Easter Cup winner Riverboat Jasper fit enough to take out the Doug Martin Danbury Park Cup over 2698 metres at the Luxbet Racing Centre in Launceston last night.
Riverboat Jasper ($15) started off a handicap of 20 metres and settled near the rear of the field as did the back marker and race favourite Resurgent Spirit that started off 40 metres.
When James Austin sent Resurgent Spirit ($4) around the field at the bell, Riverboat Jasper's driver John Walters latched onto the second favourite's his back for a ride home.
But just when it looked as if Resurgent Spirit would forge clear, Walters called on the son of Riverboat King for the big effort and the seven-year-old gelding responded magnificently and powered clear.
Riverboat Jasper went on to defeat Victorian invader Im Barney Rubble ($5) that flashed home from well back in the field with Resurgent Spirit hanging on for a game third.
All three placegetters are likely to contest the $40,000 Tasmania Cup to be run at Luxbet Park Hobart on December 18.
Peter Staples