Havtimemajor wins the $500,000 Protostar for Queensland

The New Zealand bred Havtimemajor (Art Major) at only his second race start came with a late flourish to snatch harness racing victory in the Group 1 $500,000 Protostar at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

The race assembled an outstanding field of juveniles with trainer Emma Stewart assembling a formidable trio of youngsters drawing one, two and three. The unbeaten Comeandsee was drawn in two, Cardigan Jem on the pole and Kahlua in three. Luke McCarthy had the beautifully bred Don Hunter out in five and Smack Bang Bart was on the second row.

And the race was on from the start with Comeandsee finding the lead and Cardigan Jem taking a trail behind the leader. Don Hunter was caught wide but then obtained a trail of sorts when Smack Bang Bart made a run around the field.

HAVTIMEMAJOR 11 JULY REPLAY

At this stage Havtimemajor was well back and took a trail behind Ideal Frankee. Comeandsee tried to get a winning break on straightening but the field closed in on her. Cardigan Jem looked as if he might win but Havtimemajor despite racing greenly stormed home to win by a head from Cardigan Jem with Kahlua finishing fast on the rails for third.

Havtimemajor is raced by Ross Patrick and is out of the American Ideal mare Musthavtime. Kevin Seymour representing Solid Earth was the winning slot holder.

It was a welcome change of luck for McMullen who early in the evening had to retire his mare Tilly Dunnage from the JC McMullen Memorial after being severely checked. And then Gus was well below his best when fourth to Arcee Phoenix in his Inter Dominion heat.

It’s been a rough night but to come out with a horse at only his second race start in a half million dollar race is pretty cool. We put a lot of faith in him, watched a few race replays and we said we really liked him. He came over and had a couple of trials and he gave a really good feeling.

He went from wondering whether we’d get a spot to suddenly phone calls everywhere. We’re super proud of the horse, Chantal and the whole team and I couldn’t be any happier.

I had the race worked out. I didn’t want to get involved early. I knew they’d go pretty solid. At the 600 metres I was absolutely laughing. It couldn’t have worked out any better.

Around the bend he was all over the place, he’s still a bit green he wanted to get out in the straight. I think he’s going to be a really nice horse.

He’s off to the paddock after tonight and we’ve the Derbies next year. That’s where we will head.

Cardigan Jem lost no admirers in his narrow defeat and Kahlua was also doing her best work at the finish to get so close. Don Hunter was pushed back at the crucial stage of the event and should have finished closer than fifth.

For complete Albion Park results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink