Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Lightly-raced New Zealand-bred six-year-old Onesmartfella made a successful return to racing after a 15-week absence when Chris Voak drove him to an excellent all-the-way victory in the 1730m Garrard’s Horse And Hound Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The son of Tintin In America was produced in fine fettle by Oakford trainer Jemma Hayman, and the $2.30 favourite gave his supporters no serious concerns as he led easily from the No. 1 barrier and was rated perfectly by Voak.
Onesmartfella dashed over the final quarters in 28.8sec. and 28sec. and won comfortably at a 1.56.5 rate from the $6.50 chance Mirragon, who trailed him throughout.
“This was a drop in class and a nice introduction back into racing,” said Hayman. “Certainly, the draw helps, and the distance suited. This hopefully is the right stepping stone for him to progress. We expected a strong effort from him after he had been working with fast-class pacer Perfect Major.”
Onesmartfella, the first foal out of Kentucky Girl, who managed one win from 14 starts, won at four of his 18 New Zealand starts and at two of his four Victorian starts. This was his first win in WA, at his sixth appearance in the State.