Victorian raiders too strong in Tasmania Derby and Oaks

The Victorian raiders made a clean sweep of the Tasmania Derby and Oaks run at Hobart on Sunday afternoon and leading reinswoman Kerryn Manning was the star of the show driving both classic winners as well as two other harness racing winners on the card.

Victorian colt Enjoy Life (Always B Miki) maintained his unbeaten run with a tough performance to take out this years Woodlands Stud Tasmanian Pacing Derby at Hobart on Sunday afternoon.

Always Life was facing his toughest task to date but even from the second row the Emma Stewart trained colt was heavily backed into a hot favourite. Driver Kerryn Manning allowed Enjoy Life to settle down mid field while out in front Port Run Machine took up the running from the other Victorian Rocky Rocks.

The race changed complexion when Zihuatanejo took off after nearly one lap and charged around the field. It was at that point that Manning made her move on Enjoy Life but he was trapped three wide and then eventually was caught facing the breeze when Zihuatanejo worked to the front. Rocky Rocks was then one out and held up as Likeyouforareason started his run along the back straight as there was a line of three on the final bend. Enjoy Life looked to be struggling as Zihuatanejo fought back and then Rocky Rocks went for the inside when a run was clear.

But Enjoy Life showing a touch of class was able to outstay his rivals finishing ahead of Rocky Rocks who momentarily threatened half way down the straight and Likeyouforareason who battled on third after being three wide for nearly the final lap.

The dam of Enjoy Life was the Live Or Die mare Perfect Life who won eight races and was also prepared by Emma Stewart. She’s been a wonderful producer at stud for her part owner and breeder Peter Gleeson having left prolific winners That’s Perfect, Perfect Major, Rogue Wave and Perfect Class amongst others.

Later in the day it was the turn of Rocknroll Willow (Rock N Roll World) as she did all the work but was still far too strong for the locals in the Woodlands Stud Tasmanian Pacing Oaks.

As in the Derby Rocknroll Willow was sent around to face the breeze and Manning was content to sit alongside leader Soho Tiger Lilly. She was helped by the fact that her main rival Twilight Storm was one out and three back but in a dawdling pace it was always going to be a sprint home.

Rocknroll Willow never looked like losing as she sprinted clear on straightening and although Twilight Storm kept plugging away she had to be content with second, six metres from the winner with Sweetheart Dior a further three metres away in third.

Rocknroll Willow is trained by Danny O’Brien who is based at Armstrong and she is out of the Bettors Delight mare Nothing Else Matters. She has been a good producer with her first to race Somegirlsomewhere winning 23 races with a fastest time of 1.51.2.

Rocknroll Willow has now won her last three races on end and she just keeps getting better with age. Whether or not she is up to Victoria Oaks standard is questionable but with her recent success she may well at least give a Heat a shake.

It was truly memorable day for Manning. Aside from winning the two big features, she was also successful on Bill Dornauf’s promising colt Affamato (Stay Hungry).

Then to cap off the day she duly succeeded in the final event with the lightly raced Schwarz (Bettors Delight) simply toyed with his rivals. The four year old has now won his last four races and surely a trip to the mainland is on the cards for this talented pacer.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink