Victorian-trained trotters have dominated the first quarter of the Australasian season - and the numbers tell the story.
Assessing the Australian and New Zealand key races from Group 1 level through to listed and non-graded prizemoney features, from the start of this season up to the time of writing, the Victorian stranglehold is abundantly clear.
As champion Just Believe, Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars continue to raise the bar both here and abroad, they are not alone in tallying an enormous four months for the local squaregaiters.
Of the 29 races counted, 20 of the winners have been Victorian-trained and 39 others have been placed for an incredible 69 per cent and 81 per cent. However, the exciting trajectory of progress doesn’t end there.
So often in all facets of racing, the spread of riches falls into the hands of those who enjoy greater support of ownership and heavier head count. Yes, Jess Tubbs (five), Brent Lilley (five) and Anton Golino (four) continue to showcase their excellence at the top level, yet the trotting breed continues to provide a platform for all members of the industry to succeed at the summit.
Marg Lee won her eighth Group 1 last Saturday when taking out the NSW Trotters Oaks with Keayang Zahara, while a fortnight before hobby trainer Graeme Whittle registered the biggest moment in his career alongside son Matthew in claiming the Nutrien Equine Classic with two-year-old filly Prohibited Grace.
From a spectacle point of view, an argument can be made the trotters supply enough variables to provide exciting racing. Of the races canvassed, only eight of those winners were leaders, which adds to the excitement of the contest and the skill of the drivers involved.
And what about the punt? The price-point suggests backing trotters is a more reliable medium than many may have thought. Of the 29 races, 82 per cent of the winners were priced under the each-way threshold of $5. Only 10 per cent of winners were at an odds-on quote, of which Just Believe and Queen Elida were the lion’s share.
There has been some incredible work done by our leading breeders in elevating our trotters to world-class standard - and the world is now watching us. However, during the period referenced, only one third of the big races on offer were for trotters.
In my opinion, these trotting races delivered some of the best moments of the harness racing season so far. Arcee Phoenix breaking the Bendigo track record in the Maori Mile, Callmethebreeze and Nathan Jack’s masterful drive in the Great Southern Star, Im Ready Jet upsetting her fiercest rival Queen Elida in two Group 1s and Just Believe winning the TAB Trot across the ditch - what many described the best race in decades - with Victorians filling the next three placings.
With at least another 60 features to be contested by our locals in Australasia by the end of the year, the pre-eminence is all but guaranteed. Victoria’s success and expertise can only benefit from trotting being elevated from harness racing’s support act to equal billing with pacing – if we all Just Believe.
The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.