IN a world where previously predictable values and ethics are rapidly evolving, harness racing stoically holds its course. 

In many ways, this game, religiously referred to as ‘the trots’, subconsciously symbolizes an Australian stereotype tepidly fading with time. 

Harness racing relishes humility and respect. 

In the world of standardbreds, egalitarianism is essential, work ethic is everything and asking for anything, ever, is utterly repugnant. 

Taken in context, this expression of what should rightfully be regarded as great Australian values, validates the sport in a way few other attributes ever could. 

Here’s the issue, however. 

Much as many of us may yearn for simpler days; like it or lump it, those days are gone. 

That doesn’t mean abandoning all our typically, traditional beliefs; it’s more about incorporating them into the post-post-modern world.

Enter Mattie Craven. 

None who know him could ever question Craven’s old-school Aussies attitude. 

Respectful and sentimental to his very core, the man they call ‘Slapper’ is every bit the laconic larrikin model upon which Australia was built. 

Beyond that, however, something deeper lurks. 

Craven, you see, has been corrupted by a vile demon aptly called ambition; and aggressive ambition at that. 

On Saturday night at Melton, Mattie’s latest equine hero, Credit Master, overcame what seemed a race-ending error to topple quality rivals in the Group 3 TAB Uncle Petrika Trotters Free For All. 

The win, staggering as it was, confirmed two fantastic facts. 

One; that Credit Master’s recent Group 1 win at Menangle was far from a fluke. 

And two; that Craven’s somewhat heretic perspective on his career, is one that should be followed. 

Others had tried to buy Credit Master, including legendary Kiwi racing pundit Michael Guerin, but Craven finally got him. 

At times, and he himself would concede this fact, Mattie’s stratospheric aspirations have played havoc with his emotions and made life harder than it may have otherwise been. 

The path less travelled is less travelled for a reason. 

Despite this, however, the road Craven has chosen is clearly yielding results. 

And that’s because, like it or not, harness racing is a part of real life. 

Stay humble, of course.  

Work hard, always. 

But also, never fear charging after what you want. 

THIS column has questioned whether an early-term juvenile like Petracca had merely matured earlier than much more gifted youngsters, or if he was a star that would truly make the grade. 

We also wondered whether anything would be garnered from Saturday night’s IRT Australia Shakamaker Classic at Tabcorp Park, Melton.

The jury is in. 

Firstly, Petracca is the real deal. 

Secondly, we had that fact confirmed across the weekend. 

Let’s be very clear, the 1:54.1 mile rate Petracca recorded and the 40-metre margin he won by wasn’t dictated by driver Nathan Jack. 

The horse did it himself; and yes, he’s just that good. 

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.