No question Beyond Doubt can be in the mix for star driver

By Josh Spasaro

In-form driver Angus Garrard believes “airborne” Beyond Doubt is ready to start progressing through the grades ahead of racing at Albion Park on Saturday night.

The talented 23-year-old will drive the Washington VC and No Doubt About It gelding in race one worth $14,500 and over 1660 metres, as part of the eight-race program.

Trainer Ben Battle’s five-year-old will start from gate seven.

“The horse is airborne. He’ll probably need a little bit to go his way from a bad draw, but I don’t think he could be going any better,” Garrard said.

“He’s right up to them, that’s for sure. I think he can really take another step or two.”

Beyond Doubt has saluted in three of his past five starts with Garrard sitting behind him for two of those triumphs, showing both good judgement to time his run late, and endurance to hang on to a lead.

In his last start on Saturday night, he passed Fifty Three Starts at the turn for home, before holding out Mostert and Greased Lightnin.

He won in similar fashion over 1780 metres on August 13, after courageously holding off A Perfect Dance over the same distance on July 29.

That was when he got to the front at the quarter-pole and maintained it, triumphing by 3.4 metres.

Garrard has been impressed with Beyond Doubt’s adaptability in his recent wins.

“He’s got good speed if we need it, but he’s got a bottom to him as well. He can do work if he has to,” Garrard said.

“He’s versatile enough that if he gets just a little bit going his way this week, he can definitely win again.”

Washington VC was 28 when he died in May 2024, and his progeny had won 28 Group 1 races at the time.

Garrard said Beyond Doubt has inherited a calm demeanour to go with his racing nous, with nine victories from 32 career starts.

“He’s got a really good attitude and he’s all try. As I said, he’s got a lot of bottom to him, but he’s just a nice little racehorse,” Garrard said.

“He relaxes when you want him to and he’s always there when you need him. His manners are very good and he just seems to be able to improve.”

Sheer Vitality is another last-start winner who Garrard will pair up with at Albion Park on Saturday night.

The four-year-old will run in a mares’ race – which is race five on the program – over 1660 metres.

She has drawn gate eight for trainer Donny Smith, and has five wins from 22 career starts.

“I haven’t sat behind her before, but she’s a mare who’s been racing really well. So hopefully we can work out something and she can again go close,” Garrard said.

Garrard, who drove a winning double at Redcliffe on Wednesday night, has a couple of other starters he thinks will go well this weekend.

“Catseye Beach (gate one in race two) comes up with his best draw in a while, and at the mile he should be really hard to beat,” Garrard said.

“At his best, I think he’ll run good time and he’ll take some serious beating.

“Manila Playboy was probably a little plain first-up, but I think he just needed the run and he’s a classy horse.

“If things go his way (from gate two in race seven) he’ll be thereabouts.”

Already with two Group 1 victories and over 1100 career wins to his name, Garrard said he was looking forward to furthering his development when he will represent Australia in France later this year.

That is when he will compete in the Prix des Rencontres Internationales du Trotteur Francais race at the hallowed Vincennes venue in Paris on December 4.

“It’s super exciting and something I was super surprised by. I can’t wait to get over there, have a look and see how we go,” Garrard said.

“I believe Racing Queensland submitted my name to Harness Racing Australia. I just got the call and they said ‘you’ve been chosen’. I can’t wait.

“Any time you can experience and learn new things, make new connections and talk to people and get a different perspective, it all helps.

“You can learn things off everyone and try to add that into your own repertoire, and try to improve.

“It’s a massive chance for me to learn a bit and see what we can take on board.”

The Toorbul-based driver has over 100 wins to his name so far this season.

“I’ve been lucky to get behind some nice horses and have a bit of luck in some decent races, so hopefully I can keep ticking along,” Garrard said.