Imminent return for Just Believe following latest trial

Just Believe (Orlando Vici) is being aimed at a first-up run in the Shepparton Trotters Cup as connections plot another hit-and-run harness racing mission on New Zealand later in the season.

The reigning Victorian Horse of the Year had his first trial back from a short break at Melton Entertainment Park on Tuesday and did things under his own steam after sole rival Powderkeg made a mistake at the start and took no competitive part in the event.

“Not ideal in a way having no competition around us, but he’s pretty professional and he got the trial done nicely,” driver Greg Sugars said.

“We may be back here (at the trials) next week, otherwise we will just see how his work is at home and probably head to the Shepparton Trotters Cup.”

The Shepparton feature is scheduled for Tuesday, August 30 and carries Group 3 status as well as a $30,000 prize purse.

Just Believe produced a clean sweep during his New Zealand stay through April and May, winning the TAB Trot and Rowe Cup among four feature victories before returning to Victoria for a spell. And Sugars is planning another trip across the Tasman with the eight-year-old for November’s Group 1 Dominion Trot.

“That’s probably at the forefront of our minds right now, having him right for that. Then obviously we will be pressing onto Sydney (for the Inter Dominion),” Sugars said.

Just Believe is looking for a third-straight triumph in the Inter Dominion Trotting Championship after grand final wins in 2022 at Melton and 2023 at Albion Park.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV