Rising star’s daunting first-up task

RISING star trotter Just Believe faces a daunting first-up task.

Sent for a spell after running second at Tabcorp Park Melton last March, Just Believe is set to return to the same venue on Friday night.

“Win, lose or draw, I was always going to send him for a break after his last run,” trainer Michael Hughes said.

“As it turned out he pulled up with a sore spot in his back leg so needed the break anyway.

“He is over that now and is showing no signs of there being a problem.”

To be driven by Zac Phillips, Just Believe has drawn the outside of the front row over 2240 metres.

Along with the difficult draw the son of Orlando Vici is pitted against a strong field, including several in-form rivals.

“I’ll have to talk to Zac about the race, but from the draw he will more than likely have to go forward,” Hughes said.

“That way he can hopefully be in front of the main dangers.

“Although they have drawn the back row, Desert Flyer, Pantzup and Imperial Whiz are the ones to beat.”

Yet to decide on an immediate follow-up target for the four-year-old, Hughes as earmarked the Breeders’ Crown and Vicbred Super Series as Just Believe’s long term targets.

“He’s only had one trial and is still quite heavy, but should go well on Friday night,” Hughes said. “I haven’t looked past this week, but there will be something for him in the next fortnight.

“He is eligible for the Breeders’ Crown and Sires’ so hopefully the restrictions will be over and he can go in those towards the end of the year.”