Aiming to join select group of pacers

HIGH class pacer Ryley Major is aiming to join a select band of pacers this weekend.

Winner of the 2020 Tasmania Cup, Ryley Major missed last season’s edition which was crammed with controversy.

Although first past the post, Bullys Delight was later stripped of the win after an independent investigation was conducted under Australian Harness Racing Rules 300 and 181.

With Bullys Delight relegated to last, The Shallows was declared the winner with Lip Reader and Earl Jujon filling the placings.

As for Ryley Major, he’ll attempt to become just the fifth dual winner since the Cup’s inception in 1955.

The ‘fab four’ include Paleface Lyndy, Tailamade Lombo, Motu Crusader and Lets Elope.

Scoring in 1983 and ’85, Paleface Lyndy is the only one to reclaim the crown after missing a year.

Successful in his Cup heat, Ryley Major is in prime condition for tomorrow night’s Hobart meeting according to trainer Rohan Hillier.

“I couldn’t be happier with the way he is going into the Final,” Hillier said. “He did a terrific job in his heat and has been working as good as ever this week.”

To be driven by Hillier, the son of Art Major will begin from the 30-metre back mark, which he shares with Perfect Stride and The Shallows.

Ryley Major overcame the same handicap in 2020.

“It won’t be easy, but he is capable of overcoming the handicap,” Hillier said. “He did it to win a couple of years ago and again in his heat.

“The biggest problem is having the full field in front of you and worrying about traffic in the run.

“As long as he gets a clean trip he will be right in the finish.”