Jays All That and Harperseven take out APG 2YO trotters classics

Balliang harness racing trainer Tyrone Abela shows he has a knack for trotters when his promising two year old Jays All That (Elite Stride) led all the way to take out the $50,000 APG Melbourne Graduate Series for two year old trotters Final for two year old colts and geldings at Melton on Friday evening. The APG series was the first of the two year old trotters classics to be staged at Melton this season.

Starting a warm favourite Jays All That was taken straight to the lead by driver Jodie Quinlan.

Stablemate Franco Americano who was driven by Chris Alford and drew the pole settled in behind the leader but shortly after he galloped losing all chance and settling back at the rear of the field.

Im Havintotrot who had finished a close second at his only previous start took a trail behind the leader.

However Quinlan rated Jays All That perfectly in the lead and with several runners making mistakes he never looked like losing with a clear break at the top of the home straight. However Im Havintotrot refused to give in and was gaining ground on the line to go down by two metres with Kyvalley Rambler some twenty metres away third. The gelding rated 2.2 with a last quarter of 29.6 seconds.

Jays All That is out of the unraced Angus Hall mare Peggy Hall.

JAYS ALL THAT 25 JUL REPLAY

Tyrone’s most prolific trotter in the past was the well performed Solar Active who won a number of races and was placed in key features including runner up twice in the George Gath Mile and a third placing in the South Australia Trotters Cup.

As a result of his faultless manners Jays All That is bound to be a force in the forthcoming classics. Similarly the connections of Im Havintotrot can take heart that their Art Major colt is improving and will surely break through soon.

The $50,000 APG Trotters Final for two year old fillies turned out to be a thrilling affair. Despite having only five runners, the race was evenly matched and Harperseven (Helpisontheway) on the strength of her previous two placings was sent out favourite. The Jayne Davies trained and Noel Alexander owned filly showed speed early but wisely driver Chris Alford allowed her to take a trail behind the New South Wales visitor Adelaide Red.

Goulburn trainer Neil Day who was making his first trip back to Melton since the days of Magic Bliss in 2021 allowed Adelaide Red to run her own pace in front. It was obvious a long way from home that this would be a two way battle. Harperseven came off the fence turning for home and looked likely to score a comfortable win.

HARPERSEVEN JUL 25 REPLAY

But Adelaide Red fought back strongly and in a driving finish Harperseven held on to win by half a head from a gallant Adelaide Red with Aldebaran Jazmine overcoming a slow start for a distant third.

Aldebaran Turnpike who is the dam of Harperseven was a lightly raced mare with five wins (including two at Melton) and four placings from just fifteen appearances when trained by Chris Lang.

Adelaide Red has six times for three placings and is certain to crack a win soon.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink