Brent Lilley ‘very happy’ with Zeus’ USA qualifier

The reports are positive out of the United States on Aldebaran Zeus (Muscle Hill) ahead of his harness racing tilt at the $1 million MGM Yonkers International Trot in just over a week’s time.

Trainer Brent Lilley was pleased with how the star Victorian squaregaiter performed when he placed second in a trial at Harrah’s Philadelphia yesterday.

“I’m very happy with Zeus’ qualifier,” Lilley said.

“There was a tearaway leader and we sat in the pack, came out down the back and he boomed home up the straight, chasing the leader down going 1.52.2 and a half in 55.

“He pulled up great from it, so it looks like we’re on target.”

Well-known Victorian participant Brad Chisholm, who is now based in the United States working for Richard “Nifty” Norman, took the drive and was pleased with what he felt from Aldebaran Zeus.

“Very happy going forward,” Chisholm said.

“I think he was about 80 per cent today, so in 10 days time fingers crossed he is close to his best.

“I think he is a realistic top four or five chance in this race pending on draw, but I think he is the perfect horse for US trotting.”

Champion reinsman Chris Alford will drive at Melton this Saturday night before flying out to the United States on Sunday.

He plans on picking up some drives while overseas ahead of the MGM Yonkers International Trot.

Aldebaran Zeus has won 18 races and more than $420,000 in prizemoney, but has not started since a New Zealand campaign which ended with a sixth placing in the Group 1 Rowe Cup at Alexandra Park on May 26.

The reigning Victorian 4YO Trotting Entire/Gelding of the Year warmed up for his trip with a solo hit-out at Melton shortly before departing for the US on August 1.

by Tim O’Connor, for Harness Racing Victoria