BURNIE trainer Robert Gillie didn't have to look far to find the main danger to his promising two-year-old Mobi Doc at Mowbray last night.
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Mobi Doc was well backed to win the Miss Conray Two-Year-Old (1680m) but there was also good support for first starter Always A Show.
Mobi Doc ($2.00 fav) and Always A Show ($4.30) fought out a two-horse battle with Mobi Doc prevailing by a head.
``Mobi Doc and Always A Show work together and I knew he had ability,'' Gillie said.
Gillie has three horses in work at his Surrey Road property and his best mate is Always A Show's trainer Craig Hayes.
``We always do our fast work together at the Wivenhoe Showgrounds and Craig has been a terrific help to me,'' he said.
``He used to train Maybe Doc for me and whenever I've got a problem I call on Craig.''
The pair live only three kilometres apart with Hayes at nearby Stowport.
Gillies first took out a trainer's licence just over four years ago when he took over the training himself of Maybe Doc.
``I took out a B-grade licence and ended up winning eight races with Maybe Doc,'' he said.
Mobi Doc will now go for a spell ending his two-year-old season with two wins and two minor placings from nine starts.
Before his win last night he had finished a game third behind Boasson Hagen and Jerrys Jet in the final of the Dandy Patch final in Hobart a week ago.
``He's done a mighty job but he's still growing and has earned a break,'' he said.
Consolation win
AN UNTIMELY cold ruined Cardinal Spec's preparation for some of the state's better three-year-old races but Riverside trainer Chester Bullock received some compensation as the gelding was able to lead all the way in the Arma Command 3YO (2200m).
Cardinal Spec ($3.90 fav) was having just his second run back from the enforced break when he proved too strong for Karalta Dazzler ($4.40) and Barooga Buster ($10.00).
Bullock explained that Cardinal Spec had to be sidelined for eight weeks when he contracted a cold that proved hard to shake.
He returned to racing a fortnight ago and put the writing on the wall with a close second to Jabber Jawzzz and he was able to go one better last night.
Top reinsman Ricky Duggan was able to give Bullock a glowing report when he returned after the race.
``Ricky said he was a lovely little horse with a nice bit of ability and would be improved with more experience,'' he said.
``He's still a bit hippity-hoppity in his gear but he will come out of it with more racing.''
Bullock said it was very satisfying to win a race on a night dedicated to trainer Kevin Gillies who hasn't been enjoying the best of health.
``Kevin and I are both originally from St Marys and we've been family friends for a long time,'' he said.
A special dinner was organised by the Launceston Pacing Club and attended by more than 60 friends and members of Gillies family and a highlight was the presentation of club life membership to him.
Gillies is already a life member of the Northern Tasmanian Light Harness Association.
Favourite upset
CONSISTENT mare Spitfire Rose returned from a short break and caused an upset by winning the Kevin Gillies Appreciation Pace over favourite Melolyn.
Spitfire Rose ($8.80) came with a well-timed run for Rohan Hadley to claim Melolyn ($2.50) just before the line.
Spitfire Rose was having her first start since April and continues a consistent season with her seventh win from 17 starts.
Hadley prepares Spitfire Rose at his Bridport establishment.