Experience the key for Wilson's emerging star

Exciting young Victorian trotter Pastor Dunbar (Pastor Stephen) is on trial for another interstate harness racing trip at Melton on Saturday night.

The lightly raced colt won the Group 1 NSW Trotters’ Derby at just his fifth race start and trainer-driver Damian Wilson says he has thrived since.

“That’s part of the reason we are looking at taking him to Queensland,” he said. “He’s come through the Sydney trip so well, he’s back on his toes and raring to go again.

“It’s all about getting him experience now. He’s doing it all on raw ability.

“We’d hoped to run him against the three-year-olds again this week, but the race didn’t stand up so we threw him against the older horses.

“It’s important he’s drawn in between horses on the front (row) because that’s the experience he needs for a race like Queensland.”

The Queensland target is the $150,000 Group 1 Great Square at Albion Park on July 4, which is restricted to three and four-year-old trotters.

Being three, Pastor Dunbar will get an inside draw, but that brings with it a need to handle the added pressure and show enough gate speed to utilise the draw.

“So far it’s been about just getting him away safely,” Wilson said.

“Even going to Menangle, we are able to drive him quietly around the big track and let him finish off the race.”

Pastor Dunbar’s lone defeat came when he galloped at the start, albeit from a second row draw, lost a huge amount of ground, and recovered to run a remarkable second.

Wilson said talks with owner-breeder Kevin McCluskey this week had solidified Queensland plans.

“As long as he does what we hope this week,” he cautioned. “We’ve talked a lot about it and it’s the only $150,000 race he can race in this season.

“We had to make a decision this week because it’s either keep going now, or give him a break and aim towards the big races later in the year.

“I told Kevin if he’s keen, then we’ll go.”

Given their intent, surely an invitation to the Great Square is just around the corner given the trotter’s X-factor and providing Pastor Dunbar runs well again on Saturday night.

Already three Victorians have been invited to the Great Square – Tracy The Jet, Mecarno and Jilliby Dreamlover – and they are the top three in betting.

Trainer-driver Michael Bellman gave Mecarno a long spell after his huge three-year-old season where he won nine races, including the Victoria Derby, Vicbred final and Breeders Crown final at Group 1 level.

Mecarno showed he was ready to launch his 2026 campaign with a slick recent Maryborough trial win where he ripped home his last half in 56.7sec.

Star Victorian mares Keayang Zahara (last year) and Rockinwithattitiude (2024) have won the past two Great Squares.

by Adam Hamilton for Harness Racing Victoria