New Zealand harness racing trainer Colin De Filippi is hoping history doesn’t repeat itself at Tabcorp Park Melton tonight.
Just moments ago, De Filippi captured a heat of the Great Southern Star with in-form trotter, Stent.
After easily accounting for a handy field, Stent has been installed the $1.80 favourite for the $300,000 Final scheduled for 10pm Victorian time.
De Filippi was in the same position this time last year when Stent annexed his qualifier before finishing behind Keystone Del in the Final.
Although beaten by Sheemon in his heat, Keystone Del again shapes as Stent’s main danger.
Thrilled with the gelding’s performance, De Filippi is confident Stent can extend his unbeaten Aussie streak to five this campaign.
“That was a nice run for him and now he will just relax before we go around again in a few hours,” De Filippi said.
“I couldn’t be happier with him at the moment and he will take a lot of beating in the Final.”
Covering the last half in 56.8 seconds, the son of Dream Vacation rated 1:58.2 for the 1720 metres, with his time a second slower than Sheemon, highlighting the ease of the win.
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PAUL COURTS