Differences endure about when Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival launches in earnest. 

Some say it surges with the Memsie Stakes, staged last weekend, others are patient enough to wait for the Caulfield Guineas before declaring spring has sprung. 

Dates, however, are largely irrelevant in such debates; horses are what matters. 

And that is why the journey to October 9’s Group 1 Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup, often referred to as Harness Racing’s Cox Plate equivalent, certainly begins this evening. 

Sure, we’ve seen some super races in recent weeks, races where pacers like Triple Eight and Torrid Saint have staked their claim for Vic Cup virtue. 

But tonight, at Geelong, the stakes will be raised when Western Sonador and Wolf Stride go toward in the TAB Minuteman Free For All. 

For Western Sonador, the Minutemen symbolizes an intriguing opportunity to remind pacing fans what an extraordinary talent he represents when racing at his best. 

Star training team Steve O’Donoghue and Beck Bartley won’t care one bit that his bubble burst ever so slightly in defeat last time out. 

But promoters will be praying he wins or does everything but at Beckley Park tonight. 

Then, of course, there’s Wolf Stride. 

Last time we saw Wolf Stride as the races, he was trained by Anthony Butt and Son Smith, and he’d just recorded his second Group 1 success in the inaugural Riverina Championship. 

Tonight, he resumes with Andy Gath and while many regard him as Australia’s next Grand Circuit star, an equal number will watch this evening’s open class contest at Geelong with eagle eyes. 

Has he returned in the same vein of form? 

Will he reach the lofty heights he’s promised for almost 12 months? 

Whatever transpires in the Minuteman FFA, one thing is certain. 

The road to spring’s first major assignment, the Vic Cup, either at Tabcorp Park or a newly assigned venue, begins – really begins - in Sleepy Hollow tonight. 

Crazy as it seems, Majestuoso is racing for his reputation in tonight’s fast class trot at Beckley Park. 

Not his reputation for being a quality animal; this much we know for certain. 

More to regain, or perhaps fortify, his stranglehold on the title of Australia’s premier squaregaiter. 

Let’s not get silly here. 

Majestuoso was excellent a fortnight back at Kilmore when rushing home with intent from an impossible position. 

By his own trainer, Andy Gath’s admission however, he wasn’t the speed freak we’ve come to organically expect. 

Unexpected realities reveal themselves in racing more often than the overwhelming preponderance of punters would like. 

And there is some chance the Hygain Melton Trotters Free For All won’t be raced at serious speed. 

If they do motor through the mid-section of that event as anticipated, however, Majestuoso, the pint-sized pocket rocket with pace to burn, should blaze on past his adversaries in the lane.

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.