Kiwi trotter early GSS favourite

New Zealand harness racing trainer Colin De Filippi will be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself with top class trotter Stent.

Having successfully defended his Australasian Grand Prix title at Melton last night, Stent has been installed the early favourite for next month’s Great Southern Star.

De Filippi and Stent were in the same position heading into the prestigious event last year after capturing the Grand Prix.

Stent went on to win his heat of the GSS before finishing second behind Keystone Del in the Final.

Keystone Del, which first-up for a month last night, once again shapes as the Kiwi’s main danger.

Based on his two Aussie performances this campaign, Stent gives every indication he can continue his winning streak on this side of the Tasman.

With De Filippi in the sulky, the son of Dream Vacation worked three-wide without cover from the bell before scoring by five-and-a-half metres from Keystone Del, with Realmein a metre-and-a-half away third.

Rating 1:59 for the 2240 metres, Stent extended his record to 24 wins and 20 placings from 55 starts.

Stent

• PAUL COURTS