Cain more than able in the sulky

By Jordan Gerrans

He's the lightweight reinsman with well-regarded tactical nous – there is a lot to like about Leonard Cain in the sulky.

That is why the 24-year-old was identified by his peers, as well as a few other industry figures, as the most underrated driver in the Sunshine State.

The race program on Saturday evening at Albion Park is a case in point.

As the racing heats up with the Queensland Constellations for 2024 on the horizon, Cain has just the one drive on the night.

According to his fellow drivers, Cain is as good as any of the top pilots in the bike but for some reason he does not get as many race day opportunities as others.

The first black-type event of the winter will be held on Saturday night at headquarters with the Listed Flashing Red Discretionary Handicap over 2647 metres.

Gemma Hewitt – who trains and drives her own team of horses – was quick to select Cain as underrated and noted his thorough study he does before every race. 

“He is a good little tactical driver and he is a lightweight, as well,” Hewitt said.

“He puts a lot of thought into his form. Horses just run for him.”

Cain is fourth on the state driving premiership this year with 56 winners to his name.

He is also in the top 10 when it comes to the city driving title.

Nathan Dawson – who drove in more than 400 winners last campaign – also went into bat for Cain, as did Group 1-winning reinsman Brendan Barnes.

“He probably does not get the opportunities like all the others do,” Dawson said.

Barnes added: “He is only little and light – they just run for him."

Concession driver Jonah Hutchinson also nominated Cain for the honour.

The diminutive Cain has won a host of Group 2 and 3 events in his career but is still chasing his maiden victory at the highest level.

He partners the Jason Carkeet-prepared Lady Digby on Saturday night in his one drive.

While Cain was a popular answer amongst harness participants, there were an array of drivers who were quickly picked when the 'most underrated driver' topic was broached.

Tamborine trainer Richard Hutchinson thinks Nathan Rothwell is a driver that is on the rise.

Rothwell - at just 21 years of age - claimed one of the highest honours of his driving career so far late last month when he won the Trot Rods crown for 2024 aboard Shannon Price’s Hold Onto Ya Bling.

“He really has impressed me, with what he has done,” Hutchinson said of Rothwell.

“He went to so much trouble to get to where he is today by moving to Victoria to learn and gain experience.

“He is really kicking goals since he has come back.

"He has a big future.”

Respected media member Dan Costello also selected Rothwell and made mention of promising reinswoman Paige Bevan.

Another who does not drive in races on a day-to-day basis is Trista Dixon.

As husband Grant drives the bulk of the runners for the stable, Trista is not as prominent on the track as others but according to driver and commentator Brittany Graham whenever she is at the track – you need to keep an eye on her.

Trista heads to headquarters on Saturday evening with a book of six engagements including Aroda in the feature.

“Her strike-rate is pretty unreal when she comes to the track,” Graham said.

“She is one that you need to be wary of when she turns up.

"I think horses just run for her.”

While they both have Group 1 titles to their name, Trent Dawson and Adam Sanderson both were named as drivers who are underrated by some. 

“He is a really good driver,” Zac Chappenden said of Trent Dawson.

“He drives good horses.

“When he is on the favourites and that – he always gets the job done – so I reckon he is underrated.”

Queensland harness racing form analyst Darren Clayton and Shawn Grimsey were the two who selected ‘The Sand Man’.