Jilliby Dreamlover snatches win in Great Square

Marg and Paddy Lee’s faith in Jilliby Dreamlover (Love You) was justified when they ran the mare In the Group 1 $150,000 Yabby Dam Farms Great Square for three and four year old trotters and she accordingly took out the first prize.

In one of the best harness racing fields ever assembled, Jilliby Dreamlover showed electrifying early speed to head off the New Zealander Dash Dosh but then driver Jason Lee elected to take a trail behind Tracy The Jet when she came sprinting around the outside. The pace was kept brisk as I Am Hellbound also made a lightning move from the rear to charge around to eventually race outside the leader.

JILLIBY DREAMLOVER 4 JULY REPLAY

However in the process while Jilliby Dreamlover now had the box seat behind Tracy The Jet, this had the effect of pushing back Dash Dosh three back and in a zip fastener pocket. Although he had a much harder run I Am Hellbound got the better of Tracy The Jet on straightening but he was a sitting target for those behind him.

Jilliby Dreamlover went for the inside and she rattled through to score in fine style over a luckless Dash Dosh who was held up at the vital stage in the home straight. CrackerJack who was near the rear of the field issued a strong challenge on the final bend and he finished home in fine style to grab third.

Jilliby Dreamlover had started a hot favourite at Melton only a week ago and had looked disappointing but the Lees decided to pursue the Great Square.

Jason Lee stated after the race.

You know how hard this game can he and we’ve had a really good run of luck. This is what you do it for and this mare’s been super right through. She’s chased the good ones and even the elite ones.

We thought we would come with a real good chance and last week (at Melton) she needed the run and we were a little disappointed she got rolled. This one was just too fresh and too fat. It’s a pretty tough trip getting them up here. Paddy had to go to work on this one and had to put more work into her and not overdo it with the travel as well.

We’re really happy for all the family and everyone at home, we have a great crew and staff.

We wouldn’t be able to produce horses without them.

She raced last week thinking it would bring her on and be able to get to Grant and Trista’s (Dixon) they look after us so well. She was bright and ready to go but nowhere as bad as last week.

In the warm up at Melton she’d nearly run her race. She’s peaked at the right time and obviously got the right trip and we couldn’t be happier.

Dash Dosh lost no friends in her run and she certainly would have finished a lot closer if she had obtained a clearer run earlier. The lightly raced Crackerjack looks set for a promising career with his third placing and I Am Hellbound was tough in holding on for fourth.

Through virtue of her win Jilliby Dreamlover has been invited to run in the $500,000 Inter Dominion Trotters Final on 18 July and the Lees have gladly accepted.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink