Country cups King aiming at Group 1 assignment

Kate Hargreaves’ country cups winning machine Well Defined will be tested at Group 1 level for just the second time in his harness racing career when he resumes from a spell next week.

The clear leader of the Maori’s Idol Trotting Championship – thanks to his cup triumphs at Mildura, Wangaratta, Boort, Terang and Ararat through February, March and April – has impressed in three trials as the Shelbourne trainer now eyes a return to the races.

Well Defined scorched to victory in the latest of those at Maryborough, with a 57.5 last half quicker than the one free-for-all pacer Bettor Be The Bomb recorded when winning on the same day.

Hargreaves has marked the Opus Group Australasian Trotting Championship – a standing start Group 1 over the 2760m staying trip on September 11 – for the horse’s highly-anticipated comeback to the races.

“His only other Group 1 appearance has been in this race 12 months ago. Majestuoso won it,” Hargreaves said.

“I’m really excited to see how he measures up against the top ones – he’s definitely come up better this time.”

Long-term plans for the six-year-old could still include the Inter Dominion Championships in New South Wales, says Hargreaves, but that mission will likely be decided by whether or not regular driver Ellen Tormey can make the trip interstate given COVID-19 restrictions.

“It’s still a possibility,” Hargreaves said.

“I wouldn’t mind too much if I had to send him to a trainer up there. My main concern is if Ellen can’t get up there to drive him. She’s the key to him.”

Well Defined has won 16 of 76 starts for more than $150,000 in prizemoney.

By Tim O’Connor for HRV