The world of harness racing, particularly in Victoria, is buzzing with excitement as two of the state’s top young trotters prepare to compete in the prestigious Ascent at Addington, New Zealand, in November. This event promises to be one of the highlight races of the year, with competitors aiming to replicate the success of last year’s standout, Keayang Zahara. This article delves into the details of the upcoming race, the contenders involved, and the significance of the Ascent in the broader context of Australian harness racing.
### The Ascent: A Brief Overview
The Ascent is a lucrative race with a prize pool of NZ$500,000, designed specifically for young trotters. Launched last year, it is quickly establishing itself as a marquee event in the harness racing calendar, attracting top talent from both New Zealand and Australia. The race provides an exceptional platform for emerging stars in the trotting world to showcase their abilities.
### The Contenders: Gatesys Gem and Tracy The Jet
This year, Victoria’s Gatesys Gem and Tracy The Jet are set to represent the state with aspirations of defeating their Kiwi rivals. Both trotters have showcased impressive form leading up to this event and are considerable contenders based on their recent performances.
#### Gatesys Gem
Gatesys Gem has become a noted competitor in the Australian trotting scene. After a remarkable performance in the Group 1 NSW Trotters’ Derby, where she won after previously taking out the Oaks, she has established a solid reputation. With eight wins and three seconds from just 12 starts, her consistency and ability to perform under pressure make her a formidable contender for the Ascent.
Gatesys Gem’s recent trial performance at Geelong, where she handily beat other high-class three-year-olds, indicates she is peaking at the right time. The decision by prominent owners Duncan McPherson from Aldebaran Park and Pat Driscoll from Yabby Dams to buy a slot for her speaks volumes about her potential and the confidence her connections have in her abilities.
#### Tracy The Jet
On the other side is Tracy The Jet, a three-year-old filly trained by Jess Tubbs, who is also keen on returning to New Zealand after a remarkable experience last season with champion trotter Just Believe. Tracy has been making waves in the industry with an impressive record of five wins and a second place in her last six starts.
Her drive and early gate speed have garnered attention, especially after her strong performance in the NSW Trotters’ Oaks, where she finished second to Gatesys Gem. With her passionate owner, Dom Martello, securing a slot in the Ascent, Tracy The Jet is gearing up for a significant opportunity to compete on an international stage.
### Strategic Decisions and Implications
The decision for both Gatesys Gem and Tracy The Jet to contest the Ascent comes with its share of strategic implications. Tubbs acknowledged that pursuing the Vicbred series in Melton, while a logical choice, was sidelined for the Ascent due to its greater financial reward and prestige.
This illustrates a broader trend in harness racing where connections are prioritizing lucrative races and international opportunities rather than sticking strictly to domestic events. It’s a bold move that emphasizes the increasing competitiveness of the sport as it attracts attention beyond Australia.
### The Broader Context: The Rise of Young Trotters
The emphasis on young trotters like Gatesys Gem and Tracy The Jet reflects a growing interest in developing the next generation of racing stars. As institutions like the ASB (Harness Racing New Zealand) work on promoting events like the Ascent, a greater focus is placed on nurturing young talent and providing them with platforms to excel. The implications of this can be seen in the investment by owners and trainers who are willing to invest in slots for their promising young trotters.
In a broader sense, races like the Ascent not only enrich the racing calendar but also promote development opportunities for trainers, drivers, and owners alike. They enhance the profile of harness racing and provide a competitive edge that can lead to greater rewards down the line.
### Conclusion
As Gatesys Gem and Tracy The Jet prepare for the Ascent at Addington, the excitement surrounding the event only continues to build. The ambitions of these young trotters, championed by their dedicated connections, exemplify the future of harness racing in Victoria and Australia as a whole. With the potential to follow in the footsteps of Keayang Zahara, the stakes are high, and all eyes will be on Addington to see how these promising trotters perform on November’s big stage.
In the world of harness racing, every race is a story, and the Ascent is poised to be a thrilling chapter, filled with promise, competition, and perhaps the emergence of a new champion.
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