Harness racing fans were treated to the return of trotters for the new season at Gloucester Park and based on his previous victories, Grumpee became a firm favourite. But to the punters’ dismay, Grumpee galloped wildly when the mobile was released and that was the end of his chances as he powered out to a striking last.
Both My Lightning McQueen and Majestic Ga Ga flew out of the mobile when released, but with the advantage of the inside draw, My Lightning McQueen was able to maintain the lead. Emily Suvaljko on Majestic Ga Ga wisely took the path. The rest of the field behind seemed to be struggling to keep up with the leaders and it was clear from far away that these two would battle it out to the finish.
They pulled away from the rest along the straight and Suvaljko helped Majestic Ga Ga out for her run into the final corner. My Lightning McQueen showed plenty of fight, but Majestic Ga Ga was too strong and won by just under a meter and a half, while Aldebaran Sundown was in third place some 20 meters away, having sat back on the rails three times during the journey.
MAJESTIC GO GO JAN 16 REPETITION
Emily Suvaljko reflected on her success.
It was always a concern that Grumpee would do things wrong. And wasn’t back in the draw for that long. And of course also low. It gets a little harder.
It’s really good to have a bulletproof trotter like that. She has a very good running speed and that will get her a lot of races.
Suvaljko was not surprised by her recent good form.
We knew from day one that she was pretty smart. She actually works with some of our pacers and can beat them if she gets ahead. She’s actually the horse I’ve ever won the most races on, so she’s been really good for my career and it was really good to get the win over her.
The mare has proven to be a great asset to her new owners, who purchased her for $18,000 from Victoria, where she was trained by Mary-Jane Mifsud. Majestic Ga Ga made plenty of mistakes early in her career, but since her first start in the West at Pinjarra in April she has racked up 11 wins and eight placings for lifetime earnings of $155,716.
Majestic Ga Ga, now prepared by Michael Young, will certainly be one of the favorites for the next Trotters event in the West, the Group 2 $50,000 Trotters Cup on January 30 at Gloucester Park, over 2503 metres. However, My Lightning McQueen will also be improved upon last night’s efforts. Grumpee will be a major question mark and he will have to be on his best behavior when he lines up for the event.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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