Holme On The River at home in SA

South Australian harness racing trainer Robert Caruso has had great success with horses sourced from highly-respected and successful Queensland trainer Stuart Hunter and on Saturday night Holme On The River by Riverboat King out of Wheres Holme added to that record.

A well backed $3.60 chance, Holme On The River, driven by Dani Hill, led throughout for a long head win in the Trotsguide.Com.Au Pace (1800m).

The $3 favourite Bianca Tang, trained by Hill’s father Gary, and driven by her brother Wayne, finished second, 12 metres in front of Giddy Up ($18.60).

“I reckon I have bought upwards of 20 horses from Stuart over the years,” Caruso said.

“And they have all paid their way so it has been a winning formula.

“When Stuart rang to say he had to have a clearance sale and he thought Holme On The River and Modern Chic would be suited here in Adelaide I didn’t hesitate to buy them.

“Holme On The River had his first run for me last week and was over 2230m in his first run for more than a month and found the trip a bit far. Tonight, he was back to the 1800m and fitter so I thought he would be a good chance.”

Caruso paid just $5000 and picked up $4257 on Saturday night so the seven-year-old has nearly repaid his purchase price.

What impressed the trainer was Holme On The River’s winning mile rate of 1:57.2.

“He went quick,” Caruso said. “I thought when he came here he might just be a claimer, but maybe I will have to re-assess.”

After a comfortable 31.1 first quarter Holme On The River reeled off final sectionals of 29.2, 28,7 and 29.5.

Bianca Tang, which had gone to sit parked, was outsprinted from the 600 metre mark and while Holme On The River had had enough over the final 50 metres, he had established a big enough lead to hold off Bianca Tang which was coming again.

Later in the night, Modern Chic ran third in the Clay And Mineral Sales Pacers Discretionary (2230m) to indicated she will also pay her way in South Australia.

 Graham Fischer