Four-year-old encounter highlights Vicbred semis card

A blockbuster showdown between a group of four-year-old stars headlines an epic night of Vicbred Super Series semi-final harness racing action at Melton on Friday (Dec. 23).

The second qualifier for the four-year-old entires and geldings pits Emma Stewart-trained pacers Idyllic, Major Moth, Act Now, Narutac Prince and Longfellow all in the same race against Rickie Alchin’s top-liner One Big Shew.

It’ll be a clash to remember as the top six horses across the line secure direct entry into lucrative Group 1 finals at Melton on New Year’s Eve.

Andy Gath’s gun youngster Catch A Wave was breathtaking in his return to racing during the Vicbred three-year-old colts and geldings’ heats at Kilmore last week, and will have to overcome barrier 13 if he is to win his semi-final on Friday night. Juanita Breen’s Roarforroscoe was also an impressive heat winner and comes up with the same gate in the division’s other semi.

Top Stewart-trained juvenile The Lost Storm will begin from barrier eight in his two-year-old colts and geldings’ qualifier, while stablemate Encipher has gate four as she tries to make it six wins in-a-row in a three-year-old fillies’ semi-final.

Alex Ashwood’s Tay Tay (three) has the barrier advantage over key rival Tough Tilly (11) in the first semi for four-year-old mares, while Geoff Webster’s consistent performer Dougs Babe gets a great chance for a long-awaited success in the division’s other clash after coming up with a front row inside draw.

Wall-to-wall TrotsVision coverage is planned for Friday night’s meeting, with Ryan Phelan, Jason Bonnington and Kirsten Graham joining caller Dan Mielicki for the broadcast. Rob Auber will host the all-important VSS final barrier draws, which will take place after race six on the card.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV