Just Believe tops $1M in prizemoney

Champion trotter Just Believe (Orlando Vici) became the first Australian bred trotter to earn $1M in prizemoney after taking out the V. L. Dullard Cup at Melton on Saturday.

Sent out a prohibitive $1.08 favorite, Just Believe worked to the lead with 1600 metres to travel and it was left to outstanding harness racing mare Queen Elida to issue a challenge with 400 metres to travel. 

Queen Elida got to the wheel of the champion on straightening, however with Greg Sugars imitating a statue, Just Believe reeled off a slick 26.8 last 400 metres scoring with plenty in reserve by two metres from Queen Elida. 

He’s one in a million.

Champion Just Believe becomes the first Australian-bred trotter to earn $1m in stakes by taking out the $50,000 VL Dullard Cup at Melton tonight.

A massive thrill for trainer Jess Tubbs and driver Greg Sugars. pic.twitter.com/F5gRjAMsiF

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) January 27, 2024

“He’s just a wonderful horse and keeps getting the job done. he just loves racing and is such a pleasure to be around, “Sugars said. 

“It’s been such a wonderful ride with this horse, it’s not only his race track deeds and what he’s achieved its been the support we’ve received from right around the world and the people are really behind him and want to see him do well,” he said. 

Sugars said the race provided a perfect final hit out in preparation for next week’s Group 1 Yabby Dam Farms Great Southern Star.  

“Tonight you couldn’t have scripted it any better for him and it was just a beautiful little hit out to have him cherry ripe for next week,” he said.  

Ironically, the win was Just Believes first success in the V. L. Dullard Cup after finishing third behind New Zealand trotter Majestic Man in the race last year. 

The win was the Yabby Dam Farms bred eight-year-old’s 25th from 67 race starts

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink