Howells Serves Up A Hobart Ace

THOSE that watched Casino Ace run Amy Cora to a length at Hobart on Monday night would be chomping at the bit to back the son of Fernando Bale next time he steps out.

Thankfully for those keen to do so they need not wait any longer with the talented youngster taking his place in race eight tonight at Hobart over the 461 metres.

Owned and trained by Wayne Howells, Casino Ace has had three Tassie starts since changing ownership following an impressive start to his career in New South Wales for John and Minnie Finn.

"He's a nice little dog," Howells declared.

"I was looking for a dog to buy and caught wind that he might be for sale and I've been really happy with him since he got here. He caught a bug when he first arrived so I had to take it easy on him but it's all systems go now. He's got a nice future ahead."

Winner at four of his 16 career starts, Casino Ace made his Tassie debut a successful one when scoring at Devonport on January 28.

"It was a very good win especially as he went there sight unseen," Howells told.

"The 340m on Monday night was too short for him so to run a very good bitch like Amy Cora to a length was a great effort by him. Later on I expect him to run a middle distance but he's still only young; I'm happy to take him along slowly."

Tonight at Hobart, Casino Ace makes his 461 metre debut on the strength of two impressive placings over the shorter 340 metres.

Drawn box six for tonight's assignment, bookmakers have the son of Fernando Bale the $2.60 equal favourite with the speedy Wind Waker drawn to his outside in seven.

"I don't want to sound over confident but if he gets clear running he should be really hard to hold out tonight," Howells said.

"Wind Waker looks the leader and he'll stay up the track from seven. I just need my bloke to get a decent run to be able to finish off – he'll be strong late and he'll love the 461 metres.

"But he's still got box six to deal with and anything can happen in races. But I couldn't be happier with him, he's come out of Monday night in great shape.

"He's in with a big show tonight."

Howells heads to the races tonight with two runners, Defalcation set to take his place in race nine from box eight as one of the outsiders.

"He's got his box but it's a big ask for him," Howells said.

"The dog is coming back from a tear in a back muscle – he was there for a long way on Monday night."