Gus strolls in

Inter Dominion Trotters favourite Gus (Majestic Son) had little more than an exercise jog with an effortless harness racing win in the Pryde’s Easifeed Racing Cube Trotters at Albion Park last night.

In a novel attempt to get the topliners run before the Inter Dominion, Albion Park management put on races for the pacers and one for the trotters which enabled Gus to make his presence even though he faced only four opponents.

Gus was resuming since his New Zealand trip in April since his third placing to Keayang Zahara in the TAB Slot Race at Cambridge. He had won a trial at Albion Park in early June but this was to be his first serious hit out in preparation for the Inter Dominion when the first heats will be staged on 4 July.

GUS 19 JUN REPLAY

Gus’s task was made much easier when both Aldebaranstilinski and Ikigai galloped at the start effectively losing all chance. From the pole Gus trotted away safely and driver Pete McMullen was content to allow him to settle down behind the leader Sheza Chance.

However in order to take no chances McMullen took off with about 1600 metres left to travel and allowed Gus to stride to the lead. It was then going to be a matter of how far Gus would win by as Sheza Chance and Mister Blindside followed.

Gus ran his third quarter in 28.3 seconds as he skipped clear on straightening and he was never out of second gear as he strolled to a 14 metre win over Sheza Chance with Aldebaranstilinski making up a lot of ground for third. He rated 1.55.6 for the 2138 metre trip.

Should McMullen consider a run before the Inter Dominion there is a $26,000 Prydes Easifeed Trotters Feature run a week before the Heats otherwise he’s likely to go straight into the first round of heats on 4 July.

Now that both Keayang Zahara and Jilliby Ballerini are not contesting the Inter Dominion, Gus is now the favourite to take out the $500,000 Final on 18 July. He has the advantage of home turf and knows the Albion Park circuit well for trainer Chantal Turpin. And he’s gone ahead in leaps and bounds since finishing fourth in last year’s Inter Dominion Trotters Final behind Arcee Phoenix who will be heading up to defend his crown.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink