Few figures have contributed more to Tasmanian harness racing than Noel Salter, long recognised as one of the state’s most successful owner-breeder-trainers. His impact extends well beyond the track: Salter is a past recipient of the Edgar Tatlow Medal, awarded for outstanding service as a breeder, trainer, owner and for more than three decades of dedicated club and administrative involvement.

Before turning his attention to standardbreds, Salter forged a reputation as an elite athlete in another code. A champion cyclist, he claimed multiple Tasmanian titles and represented Australia at the 1979 World Road Cycling Championships in Sweden.

On Saturday, Salter will present a colt by the underrated young sire Vincent, from the former smart racemare Itswhatilikeaboutu, a daughter of Mach Three.

Vincent, standing at Alabar, continues to build momentum with a winners-to-runners strike rate above 70%, making his stock increasingly sought after.

This colt is a half-brother to last season’s two-year-old winner Likeyouforareason.

His second dam, the 11-time winner Allsorosie, produced Vinokourov (Group 3 Raider Stakes) and Ogrady (Group 3 Dandy Patch at two). The family also includes Risen Star, runner-up in the NSW Oaks, and Punt Road Disco, winner of the Listed Tas Sweepstakes at two before going on to claim the Burnie Cup among his 17 victories.

With the Tasbred $10,000 first-win bonus, plus an additional $5,000 bonus available to any yearling from this sale that wins as a two-year-old, all roads lead to Quercus Park on Saturday. For those unable to attend in person, online bidding is available via Nutrien Standardbreds website.

by Gary Newton for Harnesslink