Iconic American civil rights activist Malcolm X once eloquently opined that education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those that prepare for it today. 

It’s highly doubtful that one of history’s leading Muslim martyrs was pondering the punt when uttering these words, yet the motif underpinning that platitude resonates regardless.

Sadly, for myriad reasons, those who love harness racing tend to talk the industry down. 

And, for those deeply entrenched or desperately dependent upon this most rigorous of all racing codes, feverish frustration, quite understandably, permeates their consciousness. 

The consequences of castigating one’s lifeblood, however, are countless and catastrophic. 

Arguably, the most pernicious repercussion of this mindsets that those occupying the sport’s periphery smell the scent of self-hatred wafting from within and wonder why they’d want to be involved. 

Less acknowledged, however, is the way this negative perspective precludes us from celebrating the game’s significant strengths. 

One such strength is thus. 

Even though it benefits them in no regard, and knowing that their contribution may logically negate their leverage, many of harness racing’s best known professional punters happily share their intel. 

Masterful minds like Darren Carroll, Mitch Sidebottom, Matt Leppard, Tom Hogan, Craig Nott and many others are staggeringly open to availing themselves for media duties for little or no reward. 

They do this not through obligation but courtesy of their dedicated devotion to serving the sport they relish. 

One such example of their selfless service has been the hour-long ‘Tuesday Tutorials’ that have permeated SEN Track’s regular harness fixture Trots Life through the past three years. 

Since its inception, dozens of doyens have spilt the beans about their process, pricing, theories, staking and angles. 

Surprisingly, despite each forging their way to wagering success, most elite investors harbour somewhat disparate pathways through the maze. 

There is one doctrine, however, that almost all these tutors share: If you trust your process, then you must defy the drift.

And on Saturday night at Melton Park this tenet was proven not just once, but twice, in quick succession. 

The first example of this pro-punting precept came in race two, a six-furlong dash with one class runner resuming from a sabbatical and several others hoping he was soft. 

Despite the exceptional depth of early speed engaged, that ‘class’ runner, Roarforroscoe, eased from his opening odds-on quote to $2.80 five minutes before the mobile rolled. 

He did firm slightly late, following Steve Cleave’s pre-race interview with trainer/driver Juanita Breen, but those who kept the faith were duly rewarded when he outclassed inferior rivals. 

One race later, Yankee Gold, who was rated among the best bets of many learned experts, drifted even further – from $1.90 to $3.10 at one point – before leading throughout. 

Some poor souls with paranoid perspectives fear fluctuations like the ones listed above. 

Those who make their crust from punting on the trots, however, feast on these very fears. 

And they’re very willing to help their brethren do the very same. 

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.