Champion Australian trotter Just Believe has been secured by Taylor St Racing Syndicate for the inaugural $575,000 TAB Trot (2200m) at Cambridge Raceway on April 12.
The Jess Tubbs-trained square gaiter has an impressive resume. He’s a two-time Interdominion champion who just last week became the first Australian-bred trotter to earn over A$1 million in prizemoney after winning the Gr.2 BetaVet Dullard Trot Cup (2240m) at Melton.
“We’re thrilled to have the best trotter in Australia coming to New Zealand to take on our best trotters in the TAB Trot,” Cambridge Raceway CEO Dave Branch said.
“Having raced in Sweden last year, Just Believe has a cult following in the world of Harness Racing so he brings further international attention to the race which is just awesome for the sport.”
Just Believe gained his international following when he represented Australia in three races in Sweden last year, culminating in an impressive second placing behind the brilliant Francesco Zet.
He’s not the first horse Victorian-based Tubbs and her husband driver Greg Sugars have raced at Cambridge either, she also prepared Better Eclipse to finish fourth in the $1 million The Race by Grins last year.
“Aspirational events like the TAB Trot are so important for generating interest in our industry so Greg and I, along with Harry’s (Just Believe’s) owners are very proud to be partnering with Taylor St Racing Syndicate to fill their slot in the race,” Tubbs said.
“We had a terrific time last year and hope we can bring home a win this time around.”
The Taylor St Racing Syndicate was formed by Waikato-Bay of Plenty Harness Racing to attract new people into harness racing offering small shares in three well-bred fillies, trained by Cambridge Raceway-based trainers Nicky Chilcott, Arna Donnelly and Tim Hall, as well as a slot in the TAB Trot race.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the syndicate members to get a taste of harness racing at the highest level and to secure a horse the class of Just Believe for them for a race like this is phenomenal,” Branch said.
“There are still limited shares remaining in the syndicate so it’ not too late for anyone to join in and be part of the Just Believe team on Grins Night of Champions.”
Just Believe has the opportunity to add further accolades to his already shinning resume as he looks to add a second consecutive Gr.1 Yabby Dam Farms Great Southern Star at Melton on Saturday night.
Full details on the syndicate including how to join it are available at www.cambridgeraceway.co.nz/taylor-st-club.
Just believe joins TAB NZ’s representative Queen Elida as the first two secured runners for the TAB Trot. He is currently the current $1.80 favourite for the TAB Trot, with Queen Elida at $5.00. – Cambridge Raceway
