Maoris Mac upsets rivals in Trotters Open

The expected confrontation between class mares Jilliby Ballerina and Violet Stanford did not turn out as expected when another talented mare Maoris Mac (Volstead) stormed through to snatch a last gasp win in the Prydes Easifood Trot at Melton on Saturday night.

There was a sense of anticipation before the event. Violet Stanford was having her first run as a four year old while Jilliby Ballerini had won her last five starts proving herself to be one of the most improved trotters to date.

Nathan Jack on Violet Stanford found the lead while Josh Aiken on Maoris Mac settled behind the leader.

Jilliby Ballerini was back in the field but started to wind up on the final bend although she was out very wide.

Violet Stanford seemed to be holding her rivals but Maoris Mac kept grinding away and in a driving finish she edged out Violet Stanford by a neck with Jilliby Ballerini a close third.

MAORIS MAC AUG 1 REPLAY

Owner John McHugh outlayed $27,500 for Maoris Mac and the 2022 Melbourne Nutrien Equine standardbred sale.

Aiken expressed relief after the event.

“We’ve been scratching our heads a little bit this prep and everything seems to be spot on and she seemed to be well and healthy but she hasn’t been getting to the line like we know she can”.

“We’re really relieved and pleased with her run. She travelled really well. As soon as we got behind the gate I just had that feeling. She was on the job tonight. I acknowledged we were up against some good horse and nice horses in form but I was happy as she hit the line”.

“It’s frustrating when you’ve got a good horse and she comes down and you have a chance and she runs a nice second or third”.

“Her and Ballerini ran second and third to Keayang Zahara in three different races last season. It’s a really good group of mares now and there’s not a lot between them. Ballerini improved the most out of all of them last year. It’s not easy timing when they turn four”.

As to Maoris Mac’s future Aiken stated “She’ll probably have a freshen up at stage and then we’ll go for the VicBreds at Melton later this season”.

As Aiken indicated the four year olds are a quality lot this time in and the VicBred series will be characterised by keen racing.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink