Nathan Townsend-trained McLiskyson is almost assured of being Horse of the Year after an outstanding win at the Dubbo TAB meeting on Wednesday night.
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The four-year-old entire previously led the Dubbo Harness Racing Club premiership by one point and earned another five with his win in the Stallion Tender On The Trading Ring Pace (1720m).
Having drawn barrier one was ideal for McLiskyson who stepped away nicely and was rated superbly by Townsend.
He kicked away in the straight to win by 8-3/4 metres from Precious Howie ($8.80, Nathan Hoy) with Smart Gambler (Bernie Hewitt at 6.30 third.
The mile rate of 2:00.90 was easily the best of the night with heavy rain falling for most of the program - after the opening two races. The winner’s career record now stands at nine wins from 55 starts.
Jim Mather, owner of second- placed Precious Howie, was delighted with the run of his gelding.
He’s trained by Garth Hoy and came into the race with a well- timed run down the back straight after being locked away on the pegs behind the leader at the bell.
As if the rain didn’t have enough concerns for race stewards, they also had to contend with a number of protests.
In the third race won by Spinalong (Ashlee Siejka), Greg Rue (Cardiff Arms ($2.70 fav) protested unsuccessfully against Ken Beauty (2nd).
Then in the next race there were two protests, 4th against 2nd and also 4th against 3rd.
The protest 3rd against 2nd was upheld with the amended placings being Our Red River Reign (1st) from $3.40 favourite Hadyourjeanson (2nd) with Sheza Gold Digger third. Paragon Scooter was officially fourth.
Meanwhile, Dubbo trainers James Sutton (Man Of Art) and Charlie Lesslie (Badlandsjack) won the last two races when track conditions were at their worst.
Former Victorian gelding Man Of Art ($1.90) was driven a treat by Sutton in a bid to win his fourth successive race after successes at Peak Hill (2) and Young in the past few weeks.
Sutton made his move two laps out and went forward to lead before rating his three-year-old to perfection.
He got home by 3-1/2 metres from Drum Beat and Karingle Aurella. The mile rate blew out to 2:10.70.
The win by former Queensland-owned-and-trained gelding Badlandsjack ($6.50) was a quick return for the Dubbo syndicate that includes Jeff Costello and Gavin Minton.
He did little with first-up unplaced runs at Peak Hill and Tamworth before getting the money in the Windradyne @ The Long Yard Pace (2120m) beating Youwontscareme and Lombo La Freebie.
