Jilliby Ballerini lead them a merry dance in Aust Trotters Championship

The most improved mare currently in the nation  Jilliby Ballerini (Majestic Son) gave a breathtaking display of front running when she took out Harness Racing’s prestigious Group 3 $30,000 Western Syrups Australasian Trotters Championship at Melton on Saturday night.

The standing start conditions proved tricky for a number of runners in the event, but from her 10 metre mark Jilliby Ballerini whizzed around the field for driver Jason Lee to take up the running.

Backmarker Arcee Phoenix had to work around the field from his 20 metre mark and eventually raced outside the leader. The previously unbeaten Derek The Jet secured the one out and one back trail.

Down the back straight Lee released the brakes and Jilliby Ballerini sprinted clear with a third quarter of 27.7 seconds and then increased her lead even further with a final quarter of 26.7 seconds.

At the finish she had just over 20 metres to spare over Pinnie who finished a gallant second with Remus Phoenix in third place.

JILLIBY BALLERINI OCT 4 REPLAY

Lee praised Jilliby Ballerini following the event.

“I thought we were humming off the back and when I started to let her slide half way round the corner and heading into the bend she had gears.”

“I was a little more confident she would step but whenever you get too confident with things like that it goes the other way. Just under race conditions thought I needed to be a little bit cautious but she was great. She sort of stepped and put in a little bit of a funny one, but that’s her. I was just happy she did it alright. Marg and Paddy have the Bill Collins Sprint (in a fortnight) planned for her. They’ve just poked along with her in the winter and everyone at home has done a great job. They’d all be happy at home.”

An elated large group of owners crowded around Jason Lee to offer their congratulations after the event.

These days the Australasian Trotters Championship is a Group 3 having lost its Group 1 status but in the past it was the standard bearer for the best quality trotting event on the mainland when heats and a quality Final would be staged. It has been won by some of the very best square gaiters and is still worthy of recognition.

Arcee Phoenix lost no admirers after tiring to finish to finish fourth but he had a torrid run and he will be better suited by mobile conditions.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink