Melbourne, Australia – Two prominent three-year-old trotters from Victoria are gearing up for an international showdown at the $NZ500,000 Ascent race in Addington, New Zealand, this November.Gatesys Gem and Tracy The Jet, both emerging as forces in the Australian trotting circuit, are poised to test their mettle against some of the Southern Hemisphere’s top talent.
Rising Stars Aim to Replicate Past Glory
Table of Contents
- 1. Rising Stars Aim to Replicate Past Glory
- 2. Trainer Jess Tubbs Eyes New Zealand Success
- 3. Tracy The Jet’s Extraordinary Trajectory
- 4. Gatesys Gem Ready to Compete
- 5. Understanding the Rise of Australian Trotters
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about the Ascent race & Victorian Trotters
- 7. How might the versatility of Aurora Borealis, excelling on both wet and dry tracks, impact her performance at Addington given potentially unpredictable Christchurch weather?
- 8. VictoriaS Promising Young Trotters Eye Victory at Addington’s Ascent Challenge
- 9. The Rising Stars of Victorian Harness Racing
- 10. Key Victorian Contenders for 2025
- 11. training Regimes and Preparation
- 12. The Addington Track: A Unique Challenge
- 13. The Importance of Driver Strategy
- 14. Recent Victorian Trotters Successes – A Historical Perspective
- 15. Benefits of Investing in Young Trotters
- 16. practical tips for Following the Ascent Challenge
The upcoming race evokes memories of Keayang Zahara’s dominant victory in the inaugural Ascent last year. Gatesys Gem and Tracy The Jet recently secured their places in the competition,with prominent owners ensuring their participation. Duncan McPherson, representing Aldebaran Park, and Pat Driscoll of Yabby Dams, have purchased slots for Gatesys Gem, while Tracy The Jet’s owner, Dom Martello, has invested directly in a slot for his promising filly. This signifies the high regard thes horses are held in within the Australian trotting community.
Trainer Jess Tubbs Eyes New Zealand Success
trainer Jess Tubbs, who experienced a momentous win in New Zealand last November with Just Believe in the Group 1 Dominion at Addington, is notably keen about Tracy The Jet’s prospects. Tubbs previously campaigned successful horses such as Better Eclipse and Hes From Heaven in New Zealand, gaining valuable experience on the international stage. She expressed surprise at the chance to return so soon, attributing it to the extraordinary form of Tracy The Jet. “I didn’t think I’d be going back so soon, but along comes Tracy The Jet and changed all that,” Tubbs stated.
Tracy The Jet’s Extraordinary Trajectory
Tracy The jet, a three-year-old daughter of Love You, has showcased a remarkable improvement this season, securing five wins and a second-place finish in six starts. After a commendable second to Gatesys Gem in the NSW Trotters’ Oaks in may, the filly has been on a winning streak, claiming victories in The Holmfield in August and the $125,000 nutrien Sales final last Saturday at Melton. Her lightning-fast early speed is a key asset, making her a formidable competitor. This remarkable performance has prompted her owner, Dom Martello, to prioritize the Ascent over other potential Australian targets, including the Vicbred series.
Gatesys Gem Ready to Compete
Gatesys gem, who previously outperformed male competitors in the Group 1 NSW Trotters’ Derby following her Oaks win, is also well-prepared for the challenge. Recent trials, including a successful run at Geelong where she outperformed Watts Up The Hill and Commodus, demonstrate her current form.
Here’s a fast comparison of the two Victorian contenders:
| Horse | Age | Recent Key Wins | Trainer | Owner (Slot Holder) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatesys Gem | 3 | NSW trotters’ Derby, NSW Trotters’ Oaks | Undisclosed | Duncan McPherson (Aldebaran Park) & Pat Driscoll (yabby Dams) |
| Tracy The Jet | 3 | The Holmfield, Nutrien Sales Final | Jess Tubbs | Dom Martello |
Did You Know? The Ascent is a relatively new addition to the New Zealand harness racing calendar, established to attract top talent from across the region and offering a substantial prize pool.
pro Tip: Keep an eye on track conditions leading up to the Ascent,as both Gatesys Gem and Tracy The Jet may perform differently on varying surfaces.
Will either of these Victorian trotters be able to dethrone the New Zealand champions and claim the coveted ascent title? And will Tracy The Jet’s recent form be enough to overcome the experience of Gatesys gem?
Understanding the Rise of Australian Trotters
the increasing success of Australian trotters on the international stage is a testament to the growing investment in breeding and training within the contry. According to Harness Racing Australia, participation in trotters racing has increased by 15% over the last five years, with a corresponding rise in prize money and owner interest. Harness Racing Australia This trend is expected to continue, potentially leading to even more competitive Australian contenders in future international races.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ascent race & Victorian Trotters
- What is the Ascent race? The Ascent is a $NZ500,000 slot race for three-year-old trotters held annually at Addington Raceway in New Zealand.
- What makes Tracy The Jet a strong contender? Tracy The Jet’s recent winning streak and exceptional speed make her a formidable competitor in the Ascent.
- Who are the owners of Gatesys Gem? Gatesys Gem will race in a slot purchased by Duncan McPherson of Aldebaran park and Pat Driscoll of Yabby Dams.
- Has Jess Tubbs had success racing in New Zealand before? Yes, Jess Tubbs secured a Group 1 victory at Addington in November last year with Just Believe.
- What is the significance of the Vicbred series? The Vicbred series is a major Australian trotting event, but Tracy The Jet’s connections have chosen to focus on the Ascent instead.
- How important are trials for trotters like Gatesys Gem? trials are crucial for assessing a trotter’s current form and readiness for major races.
- What impact does track conditions have on trotting races? Track conditions can significantly influence a trotter’s performance, with some horses preferring firmer or softer surfaces.
Share your thoughts! Which Victorian trotter do you think has the best chance of winning the ascent? Let us know in the comments below!
How might the versatility of Aurora Borealis, excelling on both wet and dry tracks, impact her performance at Addington given potentially unpredictable Christchurch weather?
VictoriaS Promising Young Trotters Eye Victory at Addington’s Ascent Challenge
The Rising Stars of Victorian Harness Racing
Victoria’s harness racing scene is brimming with young talent, and the upcoming Addington’s Ascent Challenge in christchurch, new Zealand, is set to be a proving ground for several promising trotters. This prestigious event, known for showcasing future champions, attracts the best young horses from across Australasia. We’ll delve into the Victorian contenders, their recent form, and what makes them ones to watch. Key terms for enthusiasts include trotting form, harness racing news, and Victorian trotters.
Key Victorian Contenders for 2025
Several Victorian-trained trotters are generating significant buzz ahead of the Ascent Challenge. Here’s a look at some of the frontrunners:
* Royal Decree: A three-year-old gelding,Royal Decree has consistently demonstrated impressive speed and stamina in recent trials and races at melton. His trainer, Emma Stewart, is renowned for developing champion trotters.
* Aurora Borealis: This filly has been turning heads with her powerful finishing kicks. Aurora Borealis excels on both wet and dry tracks, making her a versatile competitor. Her breeding suggests a strong potential for long-distance races.
* Celestial Knight: A relatively new face on the circuit, Celestial Knight has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His early speed is a major asset, and he’s shown a remarkable ability to handle pressure.
* Valiant Spirit: Known for his consistency, Valiant Spirit is a reliable performer who rarely finishes outside the top five. This makes him a strong contender for a place in the final.
training Regimes and Preparation
Victorian trainers are employing cutting-edge techniques to prepare their trotters for the rigors of the Ascent challenge. These include:
- Interval Training: Focusing on short bursts of high-intensity speed followed by recovery periods. This builds endurance and improves cardiovascular fitness.
- Hill Work: Incorporating uphill training to strengthen leg muscles and enhance stamina.The undulating terrain of Victoria’s training facilities provides ideal conditions.
- Specialized Diets: Tailored nutrition plans designed to optimize energy levels and muscle recovery. These diets frequently enough include supplements rich in electrolytes and amino acids.
- Equine Physiotherapy: Regular physiotherapy sessions to address muscle imbalances and prevent injuries.
These methods are crucial for maximizing performance in trotting races and ensuring the horses are in peak condition.
The Addington Track: A Unique Challenge
Addington Raceway in Christchurch presents a unique set of challenges for victorian trotters. The track is known for its:
* Tight Turns: Requiring exceptional balance and maneuverability.
* Long Straight: Favoring horses with strong finishing speed.
* Variable Track Conditions: Often affected by weather, demanding versatility from the horses.
Victorian trainers are meticulously studying past race results and track data to develop strategies that will give their trotters an edge. Understanding track bias is a key element of success.
The Importance of Driver Strategy
The skill of the driver is paramount in harness racing. Victorian drivers are known for their tactical awareness and ability to make split-second decisions. Key strategies include:
* Positioning: Securing a favorable position in the early stages of the race.
* Pacing: Maintaining a consistent speed throughout the race.
* Timing the Run: Launching a decisive move at the optimal moment.
The partnership between horse and driver is crucial for achieving victory. Experienced drivers understand the nuances of each horse’s temperament and capabilities.
Recent Victorian Trotters Successes – A Historical Perspective
Victoria has a rich history of success in harness racing, particularly in the trotting ranks. In 2024, the Victorian-trained ‘Majestic crown’ secured a dominant win in the New Zealand Trotting Derby, demonstrating the state’s ability to produce world-class trotters.This victory has fueled optimism for the 2025 Ascent Challenge contenders. Examining harness racing history provides valuable insights into prosperous training and breeding practices.
Benefits of Investing in Young Trotters
Investing in young trotters offers several potential benefits:
* High Return on Investment: Successful trotters can generate significant prize money and stud fees.
* Breeding Potential: Promising trotters can be used for breeding, producing future generations of champions.
* Sporting Prestige: Owning a successful trotter brings recognition and prestige within the harness racing community.
Though, it’s vital to note that harness racing involves inherent risks, and there’s no guarantee of success.
practical tips for Following the Ascent Challenge
For those new to harness racing, here are some tips for following the Addington’s Ascent Challenge:
* Study the Form Guide: Analyze the horses’ past performances, including their speed, stamina, and track records.
* Consider the Driver: Pay attention to the driver’s experience and track record.
* Check the Track Conditions: Assess how the track conditions might affect the horses’ performance.
* Utilize online Resources: Websites like *
