Grimson poised for Major attack on Victoria

Victoria has been a rich hunting ground for Jason Grimson.

The NSW harness racing trainer has turned plenty of heads with his remarkable ability to resurrect and/or  transform pacers and turn them into serious Group 1 players.

It started with Boncel Benjamin, who came out of claiming races to score a huge upset win in the 2021 Sydney Inter Dominion final.

Then came Majestic Cruiser, who also enjoyed a meteoric rise to win the Blacks A Fake and NZ Messenger at Group 1 level, along with a fantastic second in the 2022 NZ Cup.

I Cast No Shadow had fleeting stardom, winning and Len Smith and that Melbourne Inter Dominion in late 2022.

Since then, horses like Hi Manameisjeff and District Attorney are others Grimson has picked up from Victoria and enjoyed success with.

Now the next wave has arrived.

A look at the Menangle trials last Wednesday showed Major Moth (Art Major) and Curly James (A Rocknroll Dance) step out in Grimson’s name for the first time.

And, despite not having seen either of them since joining his stable, Grimson is excited.

“I’m in Brisbane and they’re both down with Bailey (McDonough) at Menangle, but they are two lovely horses to have come to the stable and I like what I’m hearing,” Grimson said.

“They both trialled last week and went well. Jack (Callaghan) drove Major Moth and was impressed (with his second to Dougs Platter). Curly James finished down further away, but he wasn’t asked to do as much.”

Major Moth is the best credentialled pacer Grimson has snared from another stable yet.

He won the Group 1 Breeders Crown 2YO final, ran fourth in a Victoria Derby and won 13 of 28 starts for premier trainers Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin, while battling his share of injury issues.

Those issues are what prompted the stable change.

In between, Major Moth had a crucial rehabilitation and pre-training stint with former thoroughbred trainer Darren Weir and his team.

Insiders say they loved the horse and owner Len Parker has left no stone unturned to get the now rising seven-year-old sound again.

He joined Grimson’s stable a couple of weeks ago.

“I can’t wait to see him and get a feel for him myself,” Grimson said. “I won’t be long, I’m bringing he and Curly James up here (Brisbane) for a few runs at Albion Park now the Carnival is finished.

“It’ll be good grounding for them for bigger races.”

If the pair make an immediate impact, Grimson has the option of the $150,000 Group 1 Len Smith Mile at Menangle on TAB Eureka night (September 7).

Perhaps more likely is a return to Victoria for one or both in the $300,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton on October 12.

“Major Moth might even be one I’d take to the NZ Cup if I’m really happy with him at the time” Grimson said. “He won a standing-start race late last year.”

That was at Launceston on November 23, which was Major Moth’s second-last start for Stewart and Tonkin.

“He could be something special. We know what he’s done so far and if he’s over the injuries, he could be up to all the good races,” Grimson said.

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Victoria