Ken Casellas | Photo: Gloucester Park Harness Racing
Veteran trainer Tony Svilicich has always been a keen judge of horseflesh, and he made a sound investment when he purchased a seven-year-old trotter Goodtime Pe Rabbit for a mere $5000 in May 2021.
“I watched him race (on the internet) when he was a young horse and he looked good,” said Svilicich. “And I thought that I could bring him back and win a couple of races.”
Svilicich was spot on with his judgment, and Goodtime Pe Rabbit, who managed three wins in Victoria and one in South Australia from 56 starts, won at his first four starts in Western Australia in June and July last year.
Goodtime Pe Rabbit resumed after a spell in splendid form with a first-up second at $41, beaten a head by Majestic Dream at Pinjarra on May 2, followed by a third behind Betty Bootz Off at Pinjarra a week later.
He then struck his best form with a convincing victory in the 2536m Rod Pescud Trot at Gloucester Park on Friday night when he started at $3.50 and was driven with considerable confidence by Deni Roberts. He raced three wide early before being restrained into sixth position as the only runner in the one-wide line.
Ace Commander, the $2.25 favourite, was setting the pace as Goodtime Pe Rabbit continued in the breeze. He got to the front with 300m to travel, and a wilting Ace Commander broke into a gallop when he was third on the home turn.
Goodtime Pe Rabbit went on to win by almost two lengths from $4.80 chance Majestic Dream, who had taken a narrow lead at the 250m mark. The win took Goodtime Pe Rabbit’s WA record to 20 starts for eight wins, six placings and $58,825 in prizemoney.