Tubbs' trio in line for Kiwi raid

By Adam Hamilton

Champion trotter Just Believe looks set to have a familiar travelling partner when he heads back to New Zealand.

Trainer Jess Tubbs said her Auckland Cup winner Better Eclipse is being prepared for a return to NZ as well.

“We could even have three going across,” she said, “the mare Rakero Rebel is racing really well and if she holds this form, she’s eligible for some nice races being from over there.

"They are doing some exciting things over in NZ and really having a crack, so we'd love to be part of it and get back over."

Tubbs will know more about Rakero Rebel when she tackles a strong and even free-for-all field in the opening race at Melton on Saturday night.

But it is the return of Just Believe which has everyone excited for this Melton meeting.

The globetrotting megastar will be having his first start since winning the Group 1 Rowe Cup at Alexandra Park on May 24.

He might be a rising nine-year-old, but Tubbs said you wouldn’t know it at home.

“You don’t like to say it too loudly, but he seems at least as good as ever,” she said. “His work with Better Eclipse the other day was terrific.

“He seems really full of himself and ready for a face. Hopefully he carries his work at home into the race this week.”

Just Believe will dominate betting from barrier four in the 2240m free-for-all where his main rivals are Aldebaran Zeus (gate two) and Mufasa Metro (six).

Tubbs hasn’t ruled out Just Believe backing up three days later in the $30,000 Shepparton Trotters’ Cup.

“If he comes through this week like he does most of his races, there’s every chance he’ll go to Shepparton too,” she said.

Better Eclipse, who hasn’t raced since that May 24 Auckland Cup win, is nearing a return.

“He’s not the best horse here, but has not far off them and we know he loves racing in NZ,” Tubbs said.

“You can’t say it’s definite yet, but the plan is for him to go across with ‘Harry’ (Just Believe).

“We’d look to get them across in time for Kaikoura with a view to Better Eclipse and maybe even Just Believe racing at that meeting.”

More immediately, Tubbs is searching for one more suitable lead up race for her exciting three-year-old Fighter Command ahead of the $2.1m TAB Eureka at Menangle on September 7.

“He had a few days after winning The Beautide in Tassie which got him his spot into the Eureka,” Tubbs said. “He’ll need a hit-out before it, but we’re just not sure where or when yet.”