Michael Muscats nabs trainer-driver double at the Parkes Harness Racing Club

Originally scheduled as Canola Cup day in Eugowra, the meeting moved to Parkes due to COVID-19, and Muscat, who had three runners engaged, already had a double by the third race.

Africana ($3.50) and Only One Don ($2.40f) got the job done for the Brewongle-based trainer-driver in the Kriden Investments 2YO Maiden and Agriwest Services Eugowra Pace respectively.

The former, a two-year-old Art Major x African Dancer filly, hung on for a thrilling victory by a nose over favourite Punto Caliente ($2.25f) in 2:01.4, and Muscat was pleased with the finish.

"Africana is a talented little filly, and I was very pleased with the way she toughed it out on the straight," he said.

It was a different story for Only One Don, who cruised to a dominant 21.6 metre win in his first start for the Muscat stable since he was acquired from veteran Londonderry trainer Ross Adams.

Muscat said he didn't have it all his way at the start, but once he was able to cross over on the second lap, he felt much more confident in the gelding.

"I was concerned about Our Uncle Les on the inside, but once I got past he felt really good," he said.

The gelding towered over the rest of the field, making some of the runners look like trotting ponies, and Muscat said he was very comfortable in the gig.

"He's a big boy that's for sure, but he's got wonderful balance," he said

"He's been racing in some stronger races down in Penrith, so this win was the result of him being back in a much suitable grade in some respects.

"He looked really good against this opposition," said Muscat.

The gelding certainly hasn't been disgraced in the stronger metropolitan grades, with a pair of second place finishes by a combined margin of just 0.9 metres in his previous five starts.

He'll certainly be one to watch in the Central West in weaker company, and if Muscat continues this vein of form you could do worse than slap a pineapple on.

He has five runners engaged in tomorrow night's meeting in Bathurst.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

Bookmark www.parkeschampionpost.com.au

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram