Volstead colt breaks through in Redwood Classic

Highly consistent colt Vytis (Volstead) finally broke through to take out a classic with a well earned harness racing win in the highly regarded Group 1 $75,000 Aldebaran Park Redwood classic for two year old trotters at Maryborough today.

Commencing cleanly from the pole position Vytis’s driver Emmett Brosnan wisely allowed Greg Sugars to take the lead with Enchauffour. Crack filly Gatesy’s Gem who was sent out favourite landed the perfect one out and one back trail while the well supported Commodus was forced to race outside the leader. 

It always appeared that the leading four runners were going to fight out the finish and that’s how the event turned out. Enchauffour was still travelling strongly on the final bend with Nathan Jack abroad Gatesy’s Gem pulling her out wide to make a run. In the meantime Vytis secured an inside run and in hectic last 100 metres drew clear to score by nearly four metres from Gatesys Gem with Enchauffour battling on determinedly for third. 

Emmett and his father Richard co train a team at Meredith. Richard Brosnan was a prominent trainer driver in New Zealand having won the 1979 Inter Dominion trotters with No Response and the mare Bonnie’s Chance to take out the 1983 New Zealand Cup.

Vytis had only won previously at his second career start at Melton but had been placed on five occasions before breaking through with his big win.

The win of Vytis completed a great day for his sire Volstead who had four winners today at Maryborough which also included Keayang Zahara, Ikigai and Tenasea Whiskey. 

Gatesys Gem who finished a credible second will now be set for the Breeders Crown series next month.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink