Superstars add some sparkle to Cup meeting
The unexpected appearance of superstars Just Believe and Catch A Wave has propelled Saturday night’s Ballarat Cup card into a mega meeting.
Connections of the glamour pair had no intention of racing at Ballarat this time last week.
But Ballarat chief executive Paul Rowse is thrilled they did.
“Things weren’t looking as good as we hoped for our biggest night, then Andy Gath saved the day by changing his mind and throwing Catch A Wave in the Cup.
“Then Jess (Tubbs) and Greg (Sugars) decided to bring Just Believe back a week early as well.”
Just Believe, winner of the past two Inter Dominion finals and the standout trotter in this part of the world, returns for his first start since the second of those wins at Albion Park on December 16.
“Going to Ballarat was never on the radar, but he’s come to hand so quickly at home we thought we should run him,” Tubbs said.
Just Believe will face a stronger field than he beat in the Inter Dominion final with the likes of Arcee Phoenix, I’m Ready Jet and fascinating
European import Callmethebreeze joining Inter Dominion finalists Queen Elida, Mufasa Metro and Plymouth Chubb in the Group 2 Knight Pistol line-up.
“It won’t be easy from that (wide) draw (gate six), against what looks a really strong field,” Tubbs said.
“He’s ready to run really well, but the Great Southern
Star (February 3) is our main aim.”
Just Believe has been unbeaten in five starts back in Australia following a terrific Swedish campaign against some of the world’s best trotters in May/June.
“There’s no doubt he’s come back a better horse for the trip away, but he’ll need to be as the opposition gets
stronger. It’s such a great race. The trotters’ race actually steals the show from the (Ballarat) Cup this week.”
Despite the challenges, Just Believe is $1.45 favourite from Callmethebreeze ($6), Mufasa Metro ($10) and Queen Elida ($11).
Like Tubbs, Catch A Wave’s trainer Andy Gath made a very late call to attack
Ballarat. “I’d actually ruled out the Cup a while back,” he admitted. “But when I heard stars like Leap To Fame, Akuta and a few others weren’t going to the race, I threw in a nomination.”
Then Catch A Wave sparkled in a Melton trial on Monday night, beating proven topliners Encipher and Mach Dan in blistering late splits.
“He sort of made the decision for us the way he trialled,” Gath said. “Not just the times he ran, but the way he hit the line.
“We’re really happy with the way he’s come back after a break.”