Champion Victoria trotter Just Believe is set to lead an Australian assault on the prestigious New Zealand Cup Week in Christchurch. Just Believe, coming off a remarkable 2023 Inter Dominion win, aims for his 10th Group 1 victory among a contingent of 10 Australian horses, predominantly from Victoria, competing in the NZ Cup meeting and the Show Day card.
Among the lineup, defending champion Swayzee from NSW, along with Better Eclipse and Aroda from Victoria, are expected to challenge in the $NZ1m NZ Cup. However, the spotlight shines brightest on Just Believe as he vies for success in the $NZ400,000 Group 1 Dominion Trot on the same day, drawing significant interest from the Victorian racing community.
Trained by Jess Tubbs near Ballarat, Just Believe has been a dominant force in Australasian trotting, winning 18 out of 20 starts since returning from a successful campaign in Sweden. The nine-year-old trotter has displayed exceptional form, securing victories at Group 1 level and claiming the TAB Trot in Cambridge earlier this year.
Co-trainer and driver Greg Sugars expressed confidence in Just Believe’s current form, stating that the horse is performing at his peak. With a favorable barrier draw and strong track record, Just Believe emerged as the clear favorite at $1.20 for the Dominion Trot, leading a quartet of Australian contenders in the race.
Joining Just Believe in the Dominion Trot are One Over All, Arcee Phoenix, and Kyvalley Hotspur, with the withdrawal of Leap To Fame boosting Better Eclipse’s chances. Swayzee, Merlin, and Dont Stop Dreaming are among the top contenders, with Better Eclipse priced at $14 and Swayzee leading the pack at $2.80.
On the following Friday, Victorian trotting sensation Keayang Zahara aims for her 12th consecutive win in the $NZ500,000 The Velocity, while Hes From Heaven, a Victoria Derby finalist, competes in The Ascent. The Australian presence in the New Zealand harness racing scene underscores the growing international competition and the quality of horses from the region.
As the Australian contingent prepares to showcase their talent on the New Zealand stage, harness racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the thrilling competition and the potential for standout performances from Just Believe and other top contenders. The historic rivalry between Australian and New Zealand harness racing adds an extra layer of excitement to the prestigious events, highlighting the global appeal and competitiveness of the sport.
📰 Related Articles
- Top Australian Online Casinos 2025: PlayMojo Leads Gaming Diversity
- Sustainable Australian & NZ Lingerie Brands Redefine Intimate Fashion
- Spinsy Online Casino Leads Australian Gaming Evolution in 2025
- Savic Motorcycles Leads Electric Revolution in Australian Motorcycle Industry
- Rafferty Rules: Champion Racehorse Retires After Sixth Consecutive Gold Cup