Just Believe thrills the locals

RACEGOERS in the Goulburn Valley were treated to a close up look at a harness racing champion when Just Believe (Orlando Vici) enjoyed little more than a training work out in adding the Shepparton Trotters Cup to his considerable silverware cabinet. 

Backing up after returning to the track three days earlier at Melton, Just Believe ($1.05 fav) worked to the lead with 1600 metres to travel and was only required to dash home in a 27.7 last quarter scoring by three metres from Harry Stamper. 

It was Just Believe’s first venture to Shepparton since taking out a heat of the Inter Dominion in November 2022. 

“So many people came up to see him before the race and we are happy to share him in some small way with everyone,” Sugars said after the race. 

Sugars said the stable had no qualms in Just Believe embarking on a quick turn around after saluting at Melton. 

“He’s backed up plenty of times through the various  Inter Dominion series and he’s such a resilient horse we just knew he hadn’t taken any harm the way he was Sunday and Monday,” he said. 

“We came here confident that he would get the job done.” 

Sugars said sending his stable star around at Melton was a precautionary measure. 

“The Shepparton Cup was always our target but we were concerned if it didn’t stand up, so that’s why he was also nominated for Melton,” he said. 

Sugars said the stable has earmarked several features prior to Just Believe heading across the Tasman to contest the Group 1 Dominion Trot on New Zealand Trotting Cup Day. 

“He’ll go to the Ballarat Trotters Cup, the Kilmore Trotters Cup and the Bill Collins Mile and then New Zealand,” he said. 

Multiple Group 1 winner Better Eclipse will accompany Just Believe to New Zealand where he will line up in the New Zealand Trotting Cup. 

Sugars was pleased with son of Betterthancheddar’s trial at Melton earlier in the day. 

“His trial today was good,” he said.’ 

Meanwhile Sugars indicated Better Eclipse has the Group 1 Len Smith Mile on September 7 in his sights. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV