Harness Racing Victoria can expect a phone call from popular horseman Darren Pace this week.
Pace’s conversation will be based around a simple request – program another major race for his stable star Sam Nien to contest next September!
Given the results of the past two Septembers, Pace’s plea is understandable.
In September 2025, Sam Nien provided Pace with his biggest victory by capturing the $125,000 Nutrien Sales Series Final.
Fast forward to last night’s Melton meeting and Sam Nien secured the Vicbred Super Series Final, providing Pace with his maiden Group One triumph.
Although his form had been consistent during the 12-month interim, Sam Nien had found the winners’ circle beyond his reach!
“I definitely believe a new big race needs to be added to the calendar next September, or even reschedule an existing one,” Pace joked. “I’ll have to give HRV a ring and see what we can work out!
“Sam clearly loves being in big races at this time of the year.”
Driven by Pace’s underrated reinsman-son Blake, Sam Nien was surged to the front from barrier six before being eased to take a trail behind New South Wales raider I Am Hellbound.
“I went over the form with Blake during the week and we felt our best chance was to come out quickly before handing up to one of the better ones,” Pace said. “He can be suited to drawing out wide as he is already wound up and comes out of the gate a lot quicker.”
Finishing strongly along the sprint lane, the son of Volstead completed a metre-and-a-half win from I Am Hellbound, with Ijustcalledtosay two metres away third.
“Everything just fell into place,” Pace said. “We had a vision of how we thought, or hoped, the race would pan out and that’s exactly how it did.”
Rating 1:58.2 over 2240 metres, Sam Nien also provided Blake with his initial Group One success.
“Typically, I drive in the big races, but Blake had been driving Sam lately and doing a good job, so he earned it,” Pace said. “It was back down to earth as I reminded him of stable life this morning though.
“He had a big night, never got home until 5am, but I’ve got him cleaning out the stables anyway.
“It must’ve been a big night though as he’s wearing sunglasses while he’s doing it!”
