Gus staying prowess gives him the Inter Dominion

Local trotter Gus (Majestic Son) finally secured an Inter Dominion with a heart stopping harness racing win in the $500,000 Group 1 Ladbrokes Inter Dominion Trotters Final at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

In a true staying test, Gus was drawn what seemed to be an ideal barrier in two but he didn’t show a great deal of early speed and settled back well back in the field but one off the fence.

Toro Stride showed brilliant early speed to take up the early running but driver Cameron Hart was content to take a trail when noted front running mare Rockinwithattitude made a challenge for the lead.

Arcee Phoenix who had ominous winning his Heat last week was sent around the field to be caught outside the leader while fellow Victorians Im Bobby and Lovemeto were three and four back on the rails.

Gus was still one out and three back at the bell and when Rockinwithattitude ran her first quarter in 30.5 seconds those from behind would be facing a tough task. But Gus started to unleash his run along the back straight with Gotfeelingsyouknow also making his run.

Toro Stride was looking for an inside run but in a driving finish Gus continued to persevere and in a slogging finish outstayed Gotfeelingsyouknow and Toro Stride who ran a mighty race for third. The effort clearly told on Arcee Phoenix and he only beat two home.

GUS 18 JULY REPLAY

 

Gus had lost some support after his previous start fourth to Arcee Phoenix in the Heat but he obviously taken no harm from the run and he certainly made amends with his strong win.

A clearly delighted Pete McMullen said.

“He was just cruising throughout. I was always confident. He was just too fast. The plan now is that we’ll go back to New Zealand for the Dominion and the New Zealand Trotting Free All.”

McMullen also indicated that next year’s Inter Dominion will be on Gus’s agenda.

Gotfeelingsyouknow who has performed admirably during the series ran yet another great race but on the night Gus had a little too much in reserve.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink