Well-bred harness racing gelding Roll West delivered a knockout blow to punters in the opening event in Hobart when he led throughout at big odds ($25) to win the CUB Pace over 2090 metres.
Roll West had only two starts as a two-year-old for a minor placing before being spelled for seven months.
He resumed with a game second in Hobart then blotted his copybook with a near-last effort in Launceston last week but once he found the lead last night he settled well and proved too strong for his rivals.
Roll West (Roll With Joe-Western Cheater) was bred by Noel and Marlene Salter at their Brighton property and is trained by their son Christian Salter.
He had to work hard early to find the lea from his near-outside front-row draw (6) but once he achieved the feat he settled well for his trainer who rated the gelding superbly.
The favourite Buster Bruv ($1.60) was allowed to settle last but he looked good when his driver Dylan Ford let him slide around the field at the bell but when he looked likely to cross to face the breeze nearing the top turn the last time he went from cruising to being under pressure quickly.
Goggo Gee Gee loomed to run down the eventual winner but he was unable to make an impression at the business end of the race but stayed strong to hold second spot ahead of the well-backed Shesastandout ($5.30).
Peter Staples