A well-timed spell has helped Smokin Tally produce a career first at his 178th start and he's chasing more success at Riverina Paceway on Friday.
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For the first time in his eight-year career, Smokin Tally scored back-to-back wins.
Now he's eyeing off a hat-trick in the Riverina Local Final (2270m) for up to 40 pacers.
After drawing barrier five for the second week running, driver Amanda Dean is hoping the 11-year-old can repeat last week's narrow win.
"I'm very pleased with him and it is the same grade of horses," Dean said.
"The draw doesn't really help, drawn five, but all we can do is go out there and do our best.
"If I can get the right sit and get the right horse to cart me up, he's come from last, rounded them up and kept on going before."
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Smokin Tally has brought up three of his nine career wins in his seven starts since resuming from a break.
Dean couldn't be happier with how he's returned to the track.
"He's found a really good lease on life after picking himself up after having a good spell," she said.
"He's come back from a bit of a virus and has already won three races from seven starts.
"It's been really good."
He went on to down Fastestgirlintown by a half head last week in a mile rate of 2:01.9.
Nifty Jolt is the fastest qualifier, after clocking 1:59.0 last week.
He's drawn six for trainer-driver Bill Trembath.
Dean is also looking to break through with Betterthantheboyz earlier on the eight-race card.
The mare hasn't won for a year but has only missed a top four finish twice in nine runs this year.
Drawn to start from barrier one in the Modern Art @ Lochend Stud Pace (1740m), Dean hopes she can keep up her consistency.
"She has drawn one so hopefully she's in for a good chance for a cheque or even a win," she said.
"If she can keep getting a cheque every week I'll be happy with that but if she could knock another one off I would be very pleased.
"It would be good to get the double."