Power couple strike in $300,000 Great Southern Star

Power harness racing couple Andy and Kate Gath know what it takes to win Australia’s biggest trot race – the $300,000 Great Southern Star.

The training and driving combination had won three of the nine previous editions and added a fourth success in the Grand Circuit event at Melton tonight courtesy of Majestuoso.

“I keep thinking it can’t happen again and it keeps happening . . . it’s just been our race,” said Kate following the victory.

Andy was just as elated: “It’s such a great race and to win it four times and for our owner Norm Jenkin, it’s a great feeling.”

With the barrier draw taking place and hour-a-half before the final, Andy picked barrier four for Majestuoso.

From there the six-year-old gelded son of Majestic Son led all the way and fended off all his rivals in a race record of 1:54.6.

That is an identical mile rate run in Majestuoso’s Great Southern Star heat two-and-a-half hours before.

Majestuoso was a fast-finishing fourth in his heat to Temporale after gaining a clear run late.

When it came to the final, however, Majestuoso faced no traffic as he dictated terms and rolled through the sectionals in 27.8, 30.6, 28.8 and 28.2 seconds.

“It’s good to get another one tonight,” said Kate.

“He did get up on the bit during that second quarter when Temporale moved to his outside.

“I have so much respect for Wobelee with him on my back, he is so quick and usually doesn’t get a run like that.”

Wobelee, for driver Chris Alford, was behind the leader and finished a head away in second with Im Ready Jet in third place.

Majestuoso extended his record to 24 wins in 48 starts and tonight’s mile rate was a personal best.

To see how the Great Southern Star night unfolded click here.

To view the results from Melton on Friday night click here.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink