Just Believe readies for a New Zealand assault

Australia’s leading harness racing trotter Just Believe (Orlando Vici)  broke an unusual hoodoo when he took out the Group 3 Community Bank Maryborough Trotters Gold Cup at Maryborough today. Although the winner of 20 of his last 22 starts, Just Believe had been unsuccessful in five previous attempts at the track obviously before he started to put together his formidable streak of wins.  Currently he has won nine consecutive races.

Starting at bank interest odds, Just Believe was allowed to settle down by driver Greg Sugars. Just Believe was sweating profusely before racing but Sugars was not overly concerned.

“He generally sweats and if he doesn’t I’d be concerned. At the start of the race the speed was not overly fast and he was the best horse in the race and we went for the lead. He’s all good. He’s all class on the track where it all counts. That has sharpened him up”. Just Believe will leave on Tuesday night to start his New Zealand campaign. “That’s our plan” stated Sugars.

Once in front Just Believe was never extended and the gelding had over 8 metres to spare over Parisian Artiste with early leader Mufasa Metro holding on for third.

Star mare Queen Elida in an uncharacteristic display galloped behind the mobile at the start and was tailed off.

Harry Stamper also broke up in the back straight on the final occasion and lost all chance.

Just Believe will go straight for the Dominion Trot at Addington on 12 December where he is likely to clash with the likes of Oscar Bonavena, Aardiebythehill, Muscle Mountain and another classy Australian Callmethebreeze.

Just Believe will be looking to add to his Rowe Cup and Inter Dominion successes. However at this stage no final decision has been made on Just Believe to contest the Inter Dominion in Sydney later this year given that he will be soon competing in New Zealand.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink