Visiting Australian driver Greg Sugars has grabbed a Group 1 double at Alexandra Park, winning the night’s two features.
The globe-trotting superstar Just Believe took out the Reharvest Rowe Cup in commanding fashion, only a race after the driver they call “The Candyman” won the Trillian Trust Auckland Cup with Better Eclipse.
Both are trained by Sugars’ wife Jess Tubbs.
Just Believe, undoubtedly one of the world’s premier trotters, secured his fourth win in a row in this country.
After being backed into just $1.30 favouritism the horse they call “Harry” started safely before working his way to the lead. By then it was game over.
Oscar Bonavena was second, with Midnight Dash third. Second favourite Muscle Mountain was at the tail at the field before making a move around the home turn but never looked likely.
While Just Believe was a comfortable drive for Sugars, his win with Better Eclipse in the Trillian Trust Auckland Cup had a couple of nervous moments.
The combo made a tardy beginning and then the Inter Dominion runner-up was held up for a time when Mach Shard broke 600 metres out. But Better Eclipse unwound stylishly to beat Self Assured and Republican Party.
The combo had been well supported, paying $5.00 for the win after being unlucky during their New Zealand campaign.
Self Assured was vying for a history-making third Auckland Cup and was gallant in finishing second.
As he did during his Roy Purdon Memorial Cup win American Me made the early pace but couldn’t stay with them when the pressure went on.
In the night’s earlier Group 1 Inasinglemoment was an upset winner of the Breckon Farms Northern Trotting Derby for driver Tony Cameron, from Look To Da Stars and the favourite Empire City, who had no luck over the final 300 metres.
Inasinglemoment paid $17.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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