Victoria Cup Night Will Have It All

29 September 2024 | Adam Hamilton
Logo
Callmethebreeze - Kilmore Trotters Cup 2024

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.

 

Related News

18 July 2025
TOC'S TAKEAWAYS: A pat on the back for Pat as Harry finds his forever home
Some of the bits and pieces that caught Tim O'Connor's eye in the world of harness racing... CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL COLUMN AT THETROTS.COM.AU
18 July 2025
LISTEN: Dan and Rob on The Saturday Night Harness Preview Show
Dan Mielicki and Rob Auber break down all the action ahead of Saturday night’s eight-race card at Melton.
18 July 2025
GOODFORM - TOC's tips and game plan for Saturday at Melton
Tim O'Connor has done the form for the Saturday night meeting at Melton Entertainment Park.
18 July 2025
LISTEN: ID chat and weekend previews on Friday Form Panel
Angus Garrard and Chris Svanosio joined Gareth for the first half of this week’s Friday Form Panel, with Angus previewing his key drive and Chris sharing how he maps out the Inter Dominion Grand Final. Tim O’Connor and Darren Carroll returned for the final hour to deliver a full preview of...
18 July 2025
Burning Questions: Snooze joins Chris and TOC for Inter Dom special
Chris Svanosio has Arcee Phoenix as favourite for Saturday night's Inter Dominion Trotting Championship Grand Final, and he joined Chris Barsby and Tim O'Connor on Burning Questions to talk about racing at Albion Park and Melton.
Click for more