Volstead filly upsets in 2YO Trotters Final

Outsider Prohibited Grace (Volstead) caused a boilover when she came with a well timed burst to win the $60,000 Group 2 Mimosa Homes Breeders Crown 2YO Trotters Final at Melton last night. 

Despite having won the Nutrien 2YO final at her harness racing debut in April, Prohibited Grace’s form had tapered off of late, and last start she blotted her copybook when she galloped from the standing start in the Redwood Classic at Maryborough. 

Malcolm Whittle allowed Prohibited Grace leave the mobile safely and she was able to follow hot favourite Gatesy’s Gem, who strode to the lead, but driver Nathan Jack stated that the filly was just too keen and she over raced. 

Gatesy’s Gem still looked to be cruising on the final bend, but to the surprise of many, Prohibited Grace peeled off the fence and had little trouble in racing to the lead. In the end Prohibited Grace had just under 7 metres to spare from Gatesy’s Gem with Jackie’s Gift well back in third placing.

A SPECIAL VICTORY!
The Graeme Whittle-trained and Matthew Whittle-driven Prohibited Grace flashed home to take out the Mimosa Homes Breeders Crown for two-year-old trotting fillies. pic.twitter.com/XVevXg2TbI

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) November 16, 2024

Driver Malcolm Whittle stated:

“She’s been going really well. She’s had a few health issues. We’ve got her to a point where she’s come good. Obviously it was a perfect draw to get behind such a good horse.
She got out really well. She has good manners and getting a trail I knew was going to be a good spot. To win a prestigious race it’s a feather to Dad’s (Graeme) cap. It’s all about the family and brings us all together.”

Whilst it was disappointing that Gatesy’s Gem was too keen, she is too smart a filly to dismiss and she should come back better next season. At the same time Prohibited Grace also has a promising future and she should develop into a good three year old. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink