IT'S often said that home is where the heart is, but sometimes, as was the case at Mildura Saturday night, home can also be the premises you protect and where you execute maximum damage. 

For decades now, the Tasco Petroleum Mildura Pacing Cup Final has been one of Vic harness racing’s most iconic and revered regional features. 

Warriors win on the banks of the Murray, and those that cannot handle two runs in five days, the often-stifling conditions or Mildura’s tight turning 800m circuit, they get found out. 

On Saturday night, in Victoria’s Sunraysia region, 10 standardbred wrecking balls faced the mobile for this year’s edition of the Mildura Cup. 

Nine were ‘outsiders’, horses from Ballarat, the Western Districts, Melton, and the Goulburn Valley. 

One, however, was from – as the late Anthony Bourdain would say – parts unknown. 

Officially, Sahara Tiger is part of Shane Sanderson’s powerful and progressive team of quality horses who find their fitness at the outstanding and, sadly, unique training centre situated in Charlton. 

That’s where he’s domiciled, but not where he dominates. 

He dominates, you see up at Mildura. 

Prior to Sahara Tiger’s Cup tilt last week, 10 of his last 11 runs were recorded at Mildura - a track which many adore, and others avoid. 

Whether you’re a horse, a trainer, a driver, or a punter, some excel at Victoria’s most isolated circuit and others can’t go a yard. 

Sahara Tiger loves the joint. 

In those 10 runs referenced above, Shane Sanderson’s enduring seven-year-old had seven wins to his name. 

He was, and is, the new Bernie Winkle. 

Sounds compelling, doesn’t it? 

The problem is, punters will always question the strength of that form compared to that procured on flashier, 1000m circuits with stronger metro horse populations south of the Sunraysia. 

Which is why Sahara Tiger started the Mildura Cup a $126 outsider despite being the only ‘insider’ engaged. 

But horses don’t know their prices, and with the aid of a picture-perfect Ryan Sanderson steer, the old warhorse saluted – and saluted with authority. 

There’s an old Basketball saying initiated by those playing deep in the low post, when rivals possess the temerity to enter their territory. 

Not in my house. 

If he could talk, you’d think Sahara Tiger may have uttered those very words as he crossed the line first in his biggest ever win. 

BEYONCE warned us that girls, they run the world, some years back. 

Hopefully some were listening. 

On Saturday night at Mildura, six of the 10 winners were piloted by female drivers. 

Ellen Tormey led the way with two winners while Michelle Phillips, Tayla French, Kerryn Manning, and Rebecca Bartley kicked one ‘goal’ apiece. 

Some believe the screams of equality in Harness Racing are mildly manufactured. 

They are not; they are real. 

The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.