Five on the trot

By Michael Howard (HRV)

The ‘Believers’ are growing en masse after another outstanding performance by Myrniong’s Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars’ brilliant trotter, who built on his summer of glory with a big win at Ballarat last Saturday night.

Just Believe was driven a treat by Sugars who pounced when his rivals were vulnerable, a winning move that would help secure the prized E B Cochran Trotters Cup.

“We are obviously extremely proud of what this horse has been able to achieve in his short time with us,” Sugars told TrotsVision, with Just Believe recording a fifth straight win in his first outing since his Inter Dominion triumph on December 10.

“I was a little bit concerned going into tonight that it had been a few weeks since his last race start and he hasn’t been off the place since then, so I thought he was a little bit vulnerable tonight. To win the way he did was extremely pleasing because he should only take benefit out of the run.”

The race had plenty of thrills. Sundons Courage saw off an early challenge from Sleepee, who eventually accepted leader’s back, and then when the pace settled Chris Alford made a play for the front with Aldebaran Zeus.

Again Ryan Duffy and Sundons Courage resisted, but while they were able to see off the one-two punch, the third strike proved successful, with Sugars emerging from the gapped chasers to take up the lead and from there the race was in his hands.

He ripped home in a 27.9-second last quarter to win by six metres from a fast-finishing Aldebaran Zeus, while Im Ready Jet (third) and Sundons Courage (fourth) battled on gamely after doing plenty in the run.

The $30,000 Group 3 victory brought more thrills to breeder Yabby Dam Farms and owners the Iona Trotter Syndicate, who are enjoying an outstanding run.

“They are having a great ride so far,” Sugars said. “Hopefully Just Believe can keep the flag flying and keep getting these results for as long as possible, but I am trying to forewarn them that it won’t last forever.”

It certainly seems like much more fun will be had, with Sugars revealing Just Believe would likely contest the V L Dullard Trotters Cup at Tabcorp Park Melton this Saturday and then back up on Friday February 3 in the Woodlands Stud Great Southern Star, which features two rounds of heats and then the $300,000 final on the one night.

“I think (the two races in one night) will (suit). He’s the type of horse, he’s so versatile and resilient, any type of racing he seems to be able to adapt too. No concerns for us going back to the mile, but I’m not going to say that’s his forte either – he’s the type of horse that can adapt to anything.”