Gus set to dominate again

By Adam Hamilton

QUEENSLAND trotting star Gus is primed to complete New Zealand’s biggest “double-double” at Addington tomorrow.

Last year Gus shot to stardom winning the huge Group 1 NZ Cup Week trotting double, the Dominion on Tuesday and NZ Trotting free-for-all on Friday.

Trainer Chantal Turpin said the seven-year-old came through Tuesday’s Dominion “amazingly well” and was raring to go tomorrow.

Although the 1980m mobile start conditions tomorrow don’t suit Gus as well as Tuesday’s 3200m standing start, he looks a class above his rivals.

He surprised by making an early gallop on Tuesday, but made light work of recovering from the mistake to circle the field, take the lead and win emphatically.

Despite drawing three-out on the back row (gate 12), Gus is a$1.40 favourite to win again tomorrow.

Emerging Kiwi trotter Higher Power continued his rise when he charged home for second on Tuesday.

He looks like the main danger again especially from a front row draw (gate six).

The barrier draw was cruel to the other two Aussie raiders, especially with Rockinwithattitude who has blazing gate speed.

The David Miles-trained mare, who ran sixth on Tuesday, drew inside the back row, meaning she can’t use her biggest weapon.

Chris Svanosio’s Gotfeelingsyouknow ran seventh on Tuesday and faces a huge task from outside the back row (gate 14) tomorrow. Angus Garrard has the drive.

PHOTO: HRNZ/Races Images NZ