By ‘Pegs’
KYNETON trainer Marita Lawson looks like she has a smart one in Hoff To Sea judging by its win at Echuca on Friday.
Having only his fourth start, the then four-year-old gelded son of Bon Hoffa and Sailor Sam came from the rear of the 12-horse field to narrowly take out the Border Inn Hotel Maiden Plate over 1200 metres.
Sent out a $2.70 favourite on the strength of two minor placings, Hoff To Sea was patiently ridden by Neil Farley in defeating Gobbo’s Mate, $14, by a short-half-head with Breadcrumbs, $4.60, a further one and three quarter lengths away third.
Lawson said she purchased the mare, Sailor Sam, with foal at foot on line ‘about three years ago’.
Sailor Sam, a winner of four races, was raced by the late Nick Moraitis.
“We have taken time with him as he is a big heavy horse and he needed time to mature to cope with racing,” Lawson said.
“We will look for a race soon for him and find a track with a bit of give in it.”
Hopes relocate
The father-son training duo of Lee and Shannon Hope made the move back to the Kobyboyn Road, Seymour, stables on Saturday.
The Burgess Road, Kilmore, stables and residence, occupied by Lee Hope and his long-time partner Carol Shinn for more than 30 years, has been sold and will have to be vacated late this year.
The training duo will be ably assisted by Shannon’s wife Deidre Hope and Carol Shinn.
Hope Racing is looking to build on its team of 13 in work at present.
