Former Weston Bears goalkeeper Tim Pratt couldn't have asked for a better start to harness racing training than being handed a group 1 winner under the guidance of an experienced horseman.
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Now Pratt is hoping to turn that into a maiden victory at Menangle on Saturday night.
Pratt is new to the training ranks this season and has 2019 Newcastle horse of the year Black Silhouette under his care. He has taken over from father-in-law Sam Dimarco at his wife Marissa's Brandy Hill property.
Dimarco trained Black Silhouette and Shadow Runner to group 1 wins before taking a break this season.
Pratt had his first starter when Black Silhouette was sixth at Menangle two weeks ago. The five-year-old mare returns to the track in the group 3 Sue Kelly Ladyship Pace from gate six on Saturday night. Pratt said Havtime and Bettor Enforce would be hard to beat but he hoped for a better result.
"Once she got dragged back and couldn't get on the pace, that was her shot over," he said of the first-up run. "She's an on-pace type of horse, so once she gets back in the pack, that's pretty much her chances done, so she'll be pushing forward tomorrow and going for the lead from the mobile."
Pratt, an electrical fitter, has been involved in pacing as a breeder or owner all of his adult life and he met Marissa through the sport.
"My wife has put a lot of faith in me to fill in for Sam, and it won't be an easy job," he said.
"But I've learnt a hell of a lot off Sam over the years and any success that comes will be from learning from him and people around me."
Craig Kerry
Craig Kerry is a sports reporter for the Newcastle Herald.
Craig Kerry is a sports reporter for the Newcastle Herald.
