The world’s richest harness race will be run in NSW on September 2, but Victoria will provide the backbone to it.

As Just Believe prepares for an epic challenge in Sunday’s Elitloppet, there is every reason to believe he will be the start of a train of Down Under stars chasing the world’s most iconic trotting race.

The jigsaw is starting to come together.

And the inaugural $2.1mil TAB Eureka is shaping to be something special.

What can Victorian harness racing do to try and craft something like the magic of the Warrnambool May Carnival?

During the three-hour drive back, between the Bendigo trots and some old-school music, a mate and I discussed that very question.

Watching Amazing Dream beat some of the world’s best mares in New York last week got me thinking: The harness racing world, especially now the pandemic is behind us, really is a small one.

The inaugural $1 million Nullarbor was a success on just about every level, including giving WA harness racing a much needed opportunity to attract genuine eastern state stars back to race at Gloucester Park.

Just Believe’s invitation to the Elitlopp is both something to celebrate and a wonderful opportunity to promote the sport.

It is also a tremendous recognition for the growing force that Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars are, along with Down Under harness racing as a whole.

Whether you are a slot race fan or not, they have certainly added a spike at an otherwise quiet time in harness racing.

We are just four days out from what will be a stellar night of harness action across Australasia.

Is it ideal the $NZ1mil Race by Grins and $1mil Nullarbor are on the same night? No, of course not, but the big upside is the five-hour window of excitement it will provide for harness fans on Friday.

Innovation is a buzzword.

But, in the case of harness racing, it should be the word at the front of everyone’s mind.

No neutral observer was watching the recent Chariots Of Fire and Miracle Mile with more interest than Grant Dixon.

The champion Queensland trainer-driver was at Menangle both nights and stood on the side of the track to size-up his looming opposition.

Now we draw breath, but not for long.

Captain Ravishing makes for a fascinating case study about all things harness racing.

While everyone in the industry agrees we are desperately in need of some mainstream attention, many are just as quick to shoot down anyone or anything that tries to achieve that.

Maybe now people will start listening to Andy Gath.

The decorated trainer has been saying for months that Catch A Wave is special and the best pacer he’s trained.

THERE is a hint of pain in Aaron Dunn’s voice every time you talk to him about Bondi Lockdown.

Deep down he is sure he has done the right thing by sending his “champ” Bondi Lockdown to Team McCarthy, but it still hurts.

THERE were so many highlights through this Summer Of Glory, but also some important takeaways for the future.

The first, and most important, is where the Woodlands Stud Great Southern Star sits and when it should be run.

WHO will make this Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup field?

Before I have a crack at guessing, let’s delve into the question further.

Team McCarthy will be hoping to go one better with top class pacer Spirit Of St Louis in the Del-Re National A G Hunter Cup.

This time last year, the former Kiwi was on a rampage with wins in the Bendigo, Shepparton and Ballarat cups before a slashing second to his now retired champion stablemate King Of Swing in the Hunter Cup.