Mojo Major resumes with brilliant win

Mojo Major proved there are many wins in the tank for the well-bred four-year-old entire when he delivered a brilliant harness racing performance to win the $10,000 Kevin Gillies Memorial over 2698 metres in Launceston last Sunday night.

With his trainer Rodney Ashwood in the sulky, Mojo Major circumnavigated the field midrace to assume control and once in front he set a solid tempo and packed to many guns for his rivals over the concluding stages.

Karalta Dazzler stepped brilliantly from the stand to lead but when driver John Walters handed up it paved the way for Ashwood's horse to win, although the eventual winner was motoring when he cruised alongside the leader 1200m from home.

Mojo Major hit the line 1.8 metres clear of Karalta Dazzler with Our Archangel almost nine metres astern.

It was Mojo Major's first start since August last year when he finished out of a place (sixth, beaten 14.4 metres behind Menin Gate) in the Breeders Crown final for 3YO colts and geldings at Tabcorp Park Melton.

The four-year-old son of Art Major began his career in Victoria where he won three races at two and was fourth in the 2YO Breeders Crow final behind Follow The Stars.

He ventured to Tasmania last season for the Tasmanian Derby and after winning two lead-up races in Hobart he had to settle for second in the Derby to Mister Lennox.

The now four-year-old followed his Derby second with a win in Launceston, scoring by almost 30 metres and clocked a mile rate of 2.01 over 2200m after dashing home his last half (800m) in 57.7 without being fully extended.

Mojo Major has had 24 starts for nine wins and six minor placings for just over $70,000 in stakes.

Peter Staples