Star reinsperson Dani Hill faces a tough choice
Star South Australian reinswoman Danielle Hill faces a few sleepless nights early this week selecting her drive for Saturday’s $15,000 Pot Of Gold Final (2230m) at Globe Derby Park.
Hill drove the winners of two of the three heats, Peace Of Heaven for Two Wells trainer Ryan Hryhorec and Sea Salt, prepared in Kadina by Tyson Linke.
“Both are really nice fast horses,” Hill said.
“They were both very impressive in their heats and are racing in outstanding form.
“I will sleep on it, have a chat with a few people before making a decision.”
On Saturday, Peace Of Heaven ($1.45 fav) came from last in a field of seven in heat one of the Kevin& Kay Seymour Pot Of Gold heat (2230m) to win by 20 metres from Star Man ($26) with Didmeselfamischief ($14), 1-1/2 metres away third.
Peace Of Heaven rated 2:01.4, then later in the evening, Sea Salt rated 2:00.7 in an all-the-way win in heat two.
A virtually unbackable $1.10 favourite, Sea Salt, bred and owned by Tara-Shae Linke, cruised to the lead from gate three, recorded a smart 28.6 second third quarter of the last 1600 metres to grab a winning break.
The four-year-old mare cruised home 12 metres clear of Rocknroll Spirit ($17) with Clarenden Tribute ($14), four metres away third.
Trainer Tyson Linke is hoping the in-form Hill chooses Sea Salt.
“My mare will draw on the front row and goes very well for Dani,” Linke said.
“Saturday’s win made it three wins straight for them and I believe Sea Salt will be even better in the final.
“Her win last week in the Vale Val Bain Mares Classic did take a bit out of her, and with the hot weather during the week we took her to the beach twice and gave her a pretty easy time.
“I believe she will be at her peak this Saturday and hopefully she can add another feature.”
Trainer Ryan Hryhorec said he did not know which horse Hill would choose but was resigned to the fact he might have to take seat behind Peace Of Heaven.
“He is not going to draw as well as Sea Salt and that might be a defining factor in her decision,” Hryhorec.
“But Dani has had great success on my runners in recent time and basically is my stable driver so maybe there is a loyalty factor.”
Hryhorec said he was excited about Peace Of Heaven’s development since coming into his stable from Sydney winning five of his seven starts.
“From the time he came to me he has worked brilliantly,” Hryhorec said.
“I said to Mick (owner Mick Boots) why did he send me a horse with his ability.
“The reason was that he had bad nerves and would go to the track and shake so badly he took away all his energy. I’ve done a few things with him, and he is getting better and as a result he is producing on the track.
“Credit to Mick, he won the $50,000 Angelique Pace at Cranbourne with Captains Mistress a half an hour ago, yet he texted me straight after Peace Of Heaven won with congratulations. He follows every one of his horses.”
The third heat of the Pot Of Gold saw Buzz Bomb ($8.50) run the fastest of the heats recording 1:58.9 in scoring a half head victory over Magic Storm ($6.50), a stablemate of Sea Salt, with Imposter Boy ($3.40), three metres away third.
Trained and driven by Paul Cavallaro, Buzz Bomb came from midfield in the running line to win well.
Magic Storm, trained by Tyson Linke and owned by employees of the Copper City Council, trailed the leader early and dashed up the sprint lane but just gave the winner too much start turning for home.
- Story Graham Fischer
- Photo Walter Bulyga