Step by step, inch by precious inch, Pat Driscoll and Anton Golino are on their way to a squaregaiting sovereignty which will redefine trotting in this part of the world.
Such claims have a way of sounding wildly hyperbolic, even disconnected from reality given the incredibly brief tenure of Driscoll and Golino’s association and the mountain they have left to climb.
But even the briefest perusal of this weekend’s Redwood Carnival at Maryborough should alert you to the revolution at hand.
This year at least, it’s not the numbers which inspire.
In fact, over the 20-race carnival Golino has just 13 horses engaged, which actually sounds quite meagre when one considers the horseflesh and resources at his disposal.
But on closer examination the dynasty builders are all there.
Let’s start with his Victoria Trotters Derby runners.
Dance Craze, who may well be the jewel in Golino’s crown right now is by Muscle Hill out of champion racemare La Coocaracha.
Nieta is by Muscle Mass out of La Biscuit, making her La Coocaracha’s half-sister.
And Une Belle Allure is a French and American bred daughter of Angus Hall.
All are established stars and perhaps more crucially, all are fillies, fillies that will provide the foundation for the next generation of Group One winners, then the next, then the next one after that.
Also on show from Yabby Dam Farm over the weekend are daughters of French Stallions Sam Bourbon, Love You and Singalo plus the progeny of Muscle Mass and Sundon.
But what of his chances in the here and now, this Sunday at Maryborough?
On face value, Dance Craze looms as his major Derby hope courtesy of her polemarking draw, one gate inside Jewels runner-up President Roydon.
But Golino insists there is little between all three of his Standardbred girl group and that tempo as much as talent could separate them on the line.
“Dance Craze has got that brilliance, she’s always had it she’s exciting,” the young tyro said.
“If she jumps to the front and gets a breather there are not many who could go with her when she hits top speed.
“But if they go hard all the way that will suit Une Belle Allure down to the ground. She would almost be my best chance if it turned into a war.
“Even Nieta isn’t out of it to be honest; her last couple have been really good.
“It’s just one of those races with so much depth that whoever gets the best run, out of my horses and all the rest, they will probably win.”
Golino also has representation in the Group One Redwood Classic via Dance Craze’s brother La Grange but the market from that race is dominated by Wobelee and Jewels runner-up One Muscle Hill.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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