Island sojourn a winner

Bass Strait races give Mr America a big boost in Launceston

SPREYTON trainer Glenn Stevenson has always been fond of King Island as a holiday destination, but his love of the tiny isle above mainland Tasmania has a new meaning since the arrival of promising galloper Mr America.

In Launceston on Wednesday night Mr America delivered another stellar performance to make it three wins in succession on the Launceston circuit, with this latest effort his best.

“I must admit to being a bit partial to King Island as a place to visit, but it looks like I might have to have a better look at the horses they’re racing over there,” Stevenson said.

“Mr America came to my stables in January this year and he had two starts for me and one was an unlucky fifth on Launceston Cup day.

“After one more run he needed a spell so the owners left the horse with me and while I expected him to easily win a Class 1 this time in, he’s now a Class 4 horse after three wins from as many starts.

“He is a tough horse and he showed that on Wednesday night and to lead and break Admiral’s track record was a bit special.”

Mr America covered the 1600m in 1:34.49 to better Admiral’s record of 1:34.88 he set in winning a weight-for-age race in 2015.

It was one of three records set on the night.

Mr America (All American-Glorianna) started his racing career in Victoria, but after a best-effort fourth of five at Bairnsdale, beaten almost 11 lengths, he was dispatched to King Island in September, 2014.

Over two King Island racing seasons he won six races and a host of second placings before being sent to Stevenson.

“I’d like another half-dozen like him in the yard,” Stevenson said. CLASSY mare Life on the Wire could have her next start in a fillies and mares race at Sandown in a fortnight. The Scott Brunton-trained mare scored an effortless win in a class three handicap over 1200m on Wednesday, defeating Seajamm and Charlemagne’s Girl and covering the journey in 1:08.96.

“There might be a nice race for this mare at Sandown in a couple of weeks, but I’ll just wait and see how she pulls up from this run before making any firm plans,” Brunton said.

The mare’s jockey David Pires said the recent victory was effortless and based on that effort she would be more than competitive in the right race in Melbourne.