Callmethebreeze - Kilmore Trotters Cup 2024 Photo by Stuart McCormick
VICTORIA Cup night has gone to another level.
And the trotters are set to challenge the pacers for top billing at Melton on October 12.
The fifth clash between champion Just Believe and challenger Callmethebreeze in the Group 1 Bill Collins Sprint is mouthwatering.
Callmethebreeze upset Just Believe in the Group 1 Great Southern Star in February and all indications are he's come back even better this campaign.
That win in last night's Kilmore Trotters Cup was – dare I say it – Just Believe-like.
It oozed class and arrogance.
"He was a bit rushed to get ready for the big races earlier this year, but he's had a good spell since, and there's every reason he's come back better," trainer Andy Gath said.
"I guess we'll find out in a couple of weeks. It's exciting to take on Just Believe again."
"We couldn't have been any happier with him last night."
Both Callmethebreeze and Just Believe have been unbeaten in three starts in this campaign.
What a treat to have them come together again before they both head to NZ for the $400,000 Group 1 Dominion Trot at Addington on November 12.
What a side dish it will be the strongest Victoria Cup for many years.
It will clearly be the best pacing race Australasia has seen this year, with champion LeapTo Fame leading the way and chasing redemption after being a beaten favourite in last year's Victoria Cup.
His arch-rival Swayzee will be there, so too will eight-time Group 1 winner Catch A Wave.
Swayzee, who won last year's NZ Cup, will be one of at least three runners for trainer Jason Grimson in his quest to win the Victoria Cup for the first time.
Major Moth and District Attorney locked in their Cup spots by filling the quinella in last night's $75,000 Group 2 Kilmore Cup.
The Major Moth knockers from his Len Smith flop were silenced with a dominant display.
He looked every bit a Grand Circuit star in the making, albeit the biggest names – Leap To Fame, Swayzee, and Catch A Wave weren't at Kilmore.
Better Eclipse was brave after doing the work at Kilmore, and he's another proven Group 1 performer who will add to the depth of genuine winning chances in this Victoria Cup.
While Leap To Fame has plundered his way through the Hunter Cup, Miracle Mile and Blacks A Fake this year, this Victoria Cup shapes up as his biggest test yet in 2024.
