Just Believe gets revenge in the Grand Prix

Champion trotter Just Believe (Orlando Vici) confirmed he is without peer in this part of the world when he turned almost certain harness racing defeat into a memorable victory in the Group 1 Australian Trotting Grand Prix at Melton.

Billed as a match race between Just Believe and his Great Southern Star nemesis Callmethebreeze, punters sent Just Believe out a $1.50 favorite courtesy of his inside draw, 

The draw meant for little shortly after the start when Callmethebreeze charged out from his mid-front row alley and wrested the lead off Keayang Ignite which relegated Just Believe to three back along the pegs. 

Chris Svanosio wasted little time in sending Arcee Phoenix around to sit parked outside the leader and Just Believe appeared in more than a spot of bother as Greg Sugar tried to ease away from the pegs down the back straight. 

The race changed complexion around the home turn when Callmethebreeze began to give ground and Sugars was forced to ease back and bring Just Believe four wide on the final bend. 

Meanwhile Arcee Phoenix was being hailed the winner half way down the home straight as Just Believe began to wind up down the middle of the track,  albeit giving the leader 15 metres on straightening. 

But Just Believe kept coming. 

With Sugars getting every ounce out of Just Believe, the dual Inter Dominion winner launched himself at a gallant Arcee Phoenix in the shadows of the post to get the verdict by a head in a mile rate of 1:57.2. 

JUST INCREDIBLE!
Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars' champion Just Believe produces something special to run down Arcee Phoenix and win a second-straight TAB Australian Trotting Grand Prix. He's simply sensational! pic.twitter.com/ho5HsFX16E

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) February 24, 2024

Sugars admitted he thought he may have pulled the wrong rein during the race. 

“He’s amazing, full credit to the horse because I think I let him down more than helped him in that race,” Sugars said. 

“I don’t think it was my best effort to be honest, but he is a champion and he got the job done,” he said. 

Sugars said Just Believe lost few admirers when runner up behind Callmethebreeze in the Great Southern Star Final three weeks ago. 

“He’s a once in a lifetime horse, he is something special and we were so proud of his effort last time, but like I said I made it tough for him but he got the job done,” he said. 

Chris Svanosio was delighted with the performance of Arcee Phoenix. 

“I’m overjoyed with the horse as was up against the best trotters and he showed that he is not far off them,” he said. 

Svanosio indicated Arcee Phoenix will head to Sydney and contest the Group 1 Yabby Dam Farms Hammerhead Trotters Mile at Menangle in a fortnight. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink