Callmethebreeze getting set for New Zealand raid

An uncharacteristic performance from French import Callmethebreeze (Trixton) has not altered plans for the star squaregaiter to tackle the $400,000 Dominion Trot in New Zealand on November 12.

The 2024 Great Southern Star winner broke gait with 150m to go in Saturday night’s Bill Collins Trotters Sprint and finished last, with rival Just Believe taking out the $75,000 event.

“He had a thorough vet check,” trainer Andy Gath said. “We had a couple of minor issues that would have contributed to his gait issues. He has had treatment and going forward, we will give him a couple more trials. If he is trotting well, we will go to New Zealand.

“He has had a few joint issues that have required treatment.”

The winner of more than $1.7million in prizemoney is set to travel overseas early next month.

“He is set to fly to New Zealand on Melbourne Cup day (November 5), but there is a race on the Saturday before,” Gath said.

“I would like to trial him next week to see if what we have done has helped. If it hasn’t, we are in a world of pain, but if it has we can soldier on and head on to New Zealand.”

The six-year-old also suffered a minor laceration on Saturday night, but that’s nothing to be alarmed about according to the prolific Group 1-winning trainer.

“When he galloped, he got on himself a little bit. It was nothing, merely a flesh wound. If you trialled, you would put a Band-Aid on it and solider on,” he said.

Callmethebreeze has had four starts for the Gath stable since being transferred from former trainer Anton Golino, with wins at Melton, Geelong and Kilmore before Saturday night’s down-the-track finish.

by Lachlan Mitchell for Harness Racing Victoria