Victorian Trotters Target New Zealand’s The Ascent
CHRISTCHURCH,NZ – Two of Victoria’s brightest young trotters,Tracy The Jet and Gatesys Gem,are poised to compete in the inaugural $500,000 Ascent slot race at Addington Raceway in New Zealand. The confirmation of their participation marks a notable step for both horses and their connections, signaling a willingness to challenge themselves on the international stage.
The Ascent, a new feature on the New Zealand harness racing calendar, has quickly attracted top talent from across the tasman Sea. For Victorian trainers and owners,the race presents a lucrative opportunity and a chance to test their horses against the best three-year-old trotters in the region. Duncan McPherson of Aldebaran Park and yabby Dams’ Pat Driscoll have secured a slot for Gatesys Gem, while Tracy The jet’s owner, Dom Martello, purchased a slot directly for his promising filly.
Trainer jess Tubbs expressed excitement about Tracy The Jet’s unexpected return to New Zealand, recalling her and late husband Greg Sugars’ success at addington last November with former champion just Believe, who won the Group 1 Dominion.Tubbs also campaigned Better Eclipse and hes From Heaven in New Zealand around the same time, with Hes From Heaven finishing fifth in the inaugural Velocity slot race on November 15.
Tracy The Jet, a three-year-old daughter of Love You, has demonstrated impressive form this season, winning five of her six starts. She secured victories in The Holmfield on august 16 and the $125,000 Nutrien Sales final last Saturday at Melton.Her speed from the gate has become a notable asset. “Dom (Martello) was keen to tackle NZ and bought a slot in the ascent for her to run in, so that’s the target,” Tubbs said. “Races like this don’t come along too often, so we’ve got to have a shot at it.”
The decision to target The Ascent means Tracy The Jet will forgo a campaign in the Vicbred series at Melton, as the heats clash with the New Zealand race. Tubbs noted the Vicbred final is worth $60,000, making the Ascent a more compelling option.
Gatesys Gem, who recently won both the NSW Trotters’ Oaks and the Group 1 NSW Trotters’ Derby, also appears ready for the challenge. The daughter of Aldebaran Eagle recently won a trial at Geelong, defeating Watts Up The Hill and commodus. She has eight wins and three seconds from 12 starts.
