What’s old is new again.
The 2021 Australian Pacing Gold Trotting Masters commences this Friday night with the running of the Gr.1 $300,000 What The Hill Great Southern Star at TABCORP Park, Melton.
And the original format is back in play.
First staged back in 2013, the Great Southern Star was originally modelled on the famed ‘Elitlopp’ with two elimination heats before returning later for the final on the same night over the sprint trip of 1720m.
The heats/final concept lasted for four years before officials switched to a one-off race held over the staying trip of 2760m.
On Friday night, two heats of nine runners will be staged as races three and four while the final is scheduled as race nine on the 10-event card.
Last year, star trotter Tornado Valley proved triumphant over the longer journey and he returns to defend his title, but can he cop the different format?
The highly decorated trotter has not started since finishing unplaced behind Pink Galahs in the Gr.1 Bill Collins back on October 10.
The Andy Gath prepared gelding is facing the starter for the 100th time in his elimination heat where he has drawn ideally in gate two but faces stiff opposition from last week’s Gr.1 Dullard Cup winner Majestic Man (gate 5).
Prepared by New Zealand horseman Phil Williamson and handled by his son Brad, Majestic Man broke the track record at 2240m last week when rating 1:55.4.
Sundons Courage (gate 9) plus emerging forces Im Ready Jet (gate 3) and Pink Galahs (gate 8) will also provide plenty of resistance for their rivals.
In the first elimination heat, the recently crowned New South Wales Trotter of the Year Tough Monarch draws to advantage after landing gate two and trainer Rickie Alchin has engaged the services of champion reinsman Anthony Butt for the series.
Tough Monarch rated a career best time of 1:53.3 when successful at his most recent start at Menangle two weeks ago.
Last start Gr.2 Cochran Cup winner Magicool (gate 4) will start for trainer Rob O’Connell and driver Zac Phillips while last start Gr.3 George Gath winner McLovin (gate 5) aims for his fifth consecutive victory.
Classy mare Red Hot Tooth (gate 9) has drawn directly behind Tough Monarch and will carry plenty of support with Kerryn Manning booked to drive while Wobelee (gate 7) and Always Ready (gate 8) will both require some luck from their awkward draws.
