Howlett completes clean sweep of Evicus heats

Trainer Chris Howlett claimed both heats of the Woodlands Stud Evicus at Hobart’s Ladbrokes Park Elwick on Friday night with Danger Beware and Kooky.

Danger Beware ($9.50) made the perfect start to her racing career in the opening heat, settling just worse than midfield before finishing off strongly to score on debut by 1.6m in a time of 1:58.6s.

The Downbytheseaside filly looked green at stages but continued to find in the home straight to secure her place in the Group 2 final.

“She’s probably been the worst horse I’ve ever had to handle,” Howlett said.

“She kicked me a few months ago, and I had 15 stitches in my arm. We didn’t expect too much, but she just keeps improving.”

Howlett completed his clean sweep of the Evicus heats with Kooky (2.10 fav), who was first-up when scoring by 3.5 metres over Razzmatazz ($2.30) in 2:00.4s.

Kooky had previously trialled in Tasmania before heading to New South Wales for her first three starts. She contested the $200,000 Nutrien Classic Sale Final at Wagga at her most recent effort in May, with Friday night’s victory coming at her first race start in the state.

“She got away with the race, so that was all right. I’ve been a bit disappointed in her as she can work the track down.

“If she decides she wants to be a racehorse, she might be alright,” Howlett said.

The two heats of the Woodlands Stud Dandy Patch (2090m) were also decided on the nine-race program.

Bettor Than Ready started second the $2.40 favourite in the opening heat and led throughout to book his place in the final.

The second heat produced a tight finish, with Buildthemanastatue ($4.20) getting the better of Victorian-trained pacer Farroh Joe ($6) by a neck.

Todd Rattray took the winning drive on the Juanita McKenzie-trained pacer.

McKenzie ended the meeting with a training double, while Dylan Ford also enjoyed a successful night in the sulky with two winners.

The Group 2 Finals will be held along with the Tasmanian Guineas and the Three Year Old Fillies Championship on Saturday night, 31 October.

 

By Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing