The Locomotive breaks his own record in Inter Dominion Final

The most exciting trotter in the land currently, The Locomotive (Muscle Mass), again gave another breathtaking harness racing display taking out the $150,000 TAB Inter Dominion Trotters Final at Menangle Park last night.

In a virtual copybook of last week’s Heat, The Locomotive found the lead with Keayang Chucky taking the trail in a stalking role.

Queen Elida was caught outside the leader early but eventually secured a trail when Parisian Artiste moved up to race outside.

It was obvious a long way from home that The Locomotive was the one to beat but Keayang Chucky continued to stalk the leader and tried valiantly to make up ground. However driver Brad Hewitt let The Locomotive rip at the top of the straight and he easily accounted for Keayang Chucky by 9 metres with Keayang Stuka taking out third place.

THE LOCOMOTIVE REPLAY

In winning The Locomotive smashed his own track record running the 2300 metres in 1.55.3 a tenth of a second quicker than his win at Menangle Park early in November.

Trainer Driver Brad Hewitt was ecstatic following the event

“It didn’t come easier than this. I have to mention Wayne Potter (former trainer) who has done a great job with this trotter early in his career. Wayne said to me 12 months ago that he would send him up. He’s done a super job since being here. I couldn’t have a nicer horse. He’s a cool dude with a nice personality and loves to work. He’s got so much speed and he’s just a great horse.  I’m thrilled to win this. Half of Goulburn is here”.

Owner Glenn Holland is Sydney based and has a property at Bundanoon with about 6 broodmares.

“Wayne had him as a younger horse as he was a Victorian bred horse and Wayne was to prepare him for the classics in his younger days. He’ll now stay with Brad and we’ll have to decide what to do”.

We have a lot of options for him. We could go to Melbourne or New Zealand and then there’s next year’s Inter Dominion at Albion Park”.

The Locomotive has had a star studded career even from his younger days when he was successful in a number of Vicbred series. The Locomotive has now won his last eight races and his stake earnings stand at around just over $485,000.

There were few excuses for the beaten brigade although Keayang Chucky stuck to his task in finishing second.

Depending on what Just Believe’s future takes harness racing fans could see him clash with The Locomotive in the Great Southern Star early next year or other classic events. There’s no doubt that The Locomotive is a great attraction with his tearaway free moving style and almost being unbeatable when he takes the lead. Expect the four year old to break a few more records as his career gathers pace.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink