Time will tell for Gus

Who is the best trotter in Queensland? And who holds the No.1 ranking?

With the Constellations fast approaching, who will stand tall for the Sunshine State and repel the interstate and possibly, Kiwi raiders?

Emerging force Not As Promised, fresh off a remarkable 2023 season that netted victories in the Victoria Derby and Breeders Crown Final will ultimately see him tackle the open class ranks at some point this year.

Will he adapt and continue his brilliant form?

The reigning Queensland Trotter of the Year is Adelle for Jack Butler, a high-quality mare that claimed the Redcliffe Cup last year while also qualifying for the Inter Dominion Grand Final back in December.

Speaking of the Inter Dominion, Queensland had half the field lining up in the final that was won by Just Believe. Representing the host state was Adelle, Sir Fahrenheit, Funny Face, Van Sank, Majestic Lavros, and Gus, all of which are richly talented performers and certainly worthy of consideration for the top seed.

But the latter is an intriguing trotter, often teasing fans and punters alike with his incredible ability and blistering speed but also, his waywardness has proven beyond frustrating.

Gus, a New Zealand-bred performer boasts an outstanding pedigree, the five-year-old is a son of champion sire Majestic Son from the former high-quality mare Kylie Ree.

The Monarchy mare had a brief but glittering career on the racetrack, winning four of her 11 starts before her untimely retirement owing to injury.

Kylie Ree claimed the Group 1 $100,000 2YO Ruby on Jewels Day at Cambridge back in 2010 while also picking up the $55,000 NZ Sires Stakes Trot Championship before ending her career with the Group 3 $25,000 Hambletonian Classic at Ashburton.

At stud, her winners include She’s Allthe Craze (eight wins, $85,000), Springbank Lachie (three wins, $52,000), Hawaiian Hula (one win), Kiwitrix (six wins, $78,000) and Son Of Patrick (eight wins, $123,000).

Gus is her last foal.

Bred by skilled horseman Nathan Williamson, Gus raced twice in New Zealand before being purchased by Brisbane-based owner Ross Patrick.

Unraced as a two-year-old and as a three-year-old, Gus made his debut on March 11, 2023, at Ascot Park but galloped as favourite and finished at the rear of the field.

His second start came on March 30 at Central Southland Raceway, again starting a clear favourite, the performance was nothing short of sensational.

An early break cost him vital ground, but he kept chasing and despite being forced extremely wide at the home turn, he still ran away from his rivals to win emphatically and convincingly.

Soon after a deal was struck, and the inexperienced trotter arrived at the Patrick Estate stables of Chantal Turpin and Pete McMullen.

“We were excited to get a horse like this in the stable. Pete and I love the trotters and Ross appreciates them also. He raced Majestic Simon with us a few seasons ago. I think it’s fair to say, Gus arrived with far loftier expectations in comparison to Simon,” Turpin said.

Interestingly, Majestic Simon arrived with an identical record back in 2019. A four-year-old trotter and a veteran of just two starts, which included a victory at the remote Roxburgh racetrack in the deep south.

When Majestic Simon ended his racing career, his record was impressive with 20 wins from 100 starts and earnings above $212,000. He went to claim the Queensland Trotter of the Year award in 2021.

So, can Gus achieve the same or go even higher than Majestic Simon?

In 21 local starts to date, Gus has either broken or been out of position at the start in around half of those, which underlines the frustration.

However, Gus has won seven races including the 2024 Jim McNeil Trotting Championship Final at Albion Park back on March 2 after starting from a 30m back mark in the 2647m standing start feature.

Other feature races he has contested include the Group 1 Inter Dominion Grand Final and the inaugural The Great Square plus the Group 3 Trotters Sprint.

Throughout the Inter Dominion series, Gus announced himself with a massive third placing behind Ollivici and Queen Elida after doing a mountain of midrace work in the 2138m qualifying heat.

“Looking back, everything came way too soon for him. He wasn’t ready for those features, but when they’re in your own backyard, you’re kind of obligated in many ways. Ability-wise he was capable, but mentally he’s still a long way short,” Turpin said.

“He’s a very quirky horse. He works by himself, and his training includes swimming. He lives next door to Aardies Flash and their besties. He’s cruisy at home and Rylee (daughter) drives him but once the gear goes on, he becomes very anxious and nervous.

“Both Pete and Matt (Learoyd, farrier) have swapped and changed the shoes on him many times. The running head-check was a crucial piece of gear because it gave him good balance and he trotted with more confidence.”

At this point, Gus is aiming at the features throughout the carnival while plans beyond the local carnival remain unclear.

“It all depends on him, how he handles and recovers from the winter carnival events. He’s still quite immature but obviously getting him to Menangle is a target while the Inter Dominion series is another option,” Turpin said.

“After winning the Jim McNeil we nominated him for Sydney, but he got left out completely, which was disappointing. He’ll thrive on the big track down there while Victoria could be another option given the number of races available to him.”

So, is Gus the best trotter in Queensland?

Maybe a little early to judge but he’s in the conversation moving forward.

Looking back, with Gus successful in the Jim McNeil earlier this year, it’s a race that Majestic Simon won back in 2020.

Coincidence or the pathway for future success?

Time will tell.