Ballarat R5 E B COCHRAN TROTTERS CUP (GROUP 3)

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2  

Race comment

  OVERVIEW: With all due respect to Group 1 contests like the Bill Collins Sprint, the Aldebaran Park Maori Mile and the Inter Dominion Grand Final, there’s a decent argument to suggest that this E B Cochran Trotters Cup holds court as having Australia’s strongest aggregate squaregaiting field in some time. In fact, if you threw Majestuoso into the mix, this contest would comprise the absolute best of the best, bar none. Logic, empirical evidence, and form would all dictate that JUST BELIEVE (12) warrants top billing, not only in this event but as the nation’s dominant trotter. And look, based on the way Larajay Farm have so brilliantly managed him, he’s the likely winner despite his brief recent sabbatical. With all that on record, we’re rating him a very narrow second pick behind freak mare IM READY JET (9) this evening. In many ways, this incredible event will feature an extraordinary side-battle between the finest two peri-middle-aged reinsman in Victoria. Nathan Jack and Greg Sugars. Anton Golino has been wildly protective of IM READY JET (9), refusing to test her through the Inter Dominion series in preference for the upcoming Great Southern Star. On face value, she’d been slightly short of her epic best in two runs back from a break but Golino also adopts a ‘thoroughbred style’ approach with his horses and most gallopers peak third-up from a break. The burning tactical question is all about whether N Jack can maintain some early distance between IM READY JET (9) and JUST BELIEVE (12) – which he should – and then whether he might find the mid-race lead when his major rival likely comes a-knockin’. Either way IM READY JET (9) gets that very narrow nod mentioned above from JUST BELIEVE (12) who, as mentioned, clearly rates as the nation’s leading squaregaiter as this comment is penned. Can anyone else win? Yes, they certainly can. Leading the charge is OLLIVICI (7) who can balance early from his wide draw then press forward in search of the front, HOPEFUL BEAUTY (13) who has her quirks but is finally fulfilling her awesome potential and ALDEBARAN ZEUS (11) who is infinitely better suited from a front-line draw but has matched it – and defeated - older rivals like these twice in a short period and may relish being hunter rather than hunted tonight.   EARLY SPEED: 3,6,7 + 1,4 RATINGS: 9/ 12/ 13/ 11/ 8/ 3/ 10/ 4/ 6/ 2