Harness racing
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REIGNING Wagga Horse of the Year Major Jules returned to his favourite stomping ground to claim the Football Premiers' Cup (2165m) at Wagga last night.
Finishing sixth in his last three starts, the Kim Hillier-trained gelding returned to the winners' list with a dominant 6.4-metre win.
Leading from barrier three, the son of Major In Art was able to overcome a mid-race challenge from Doves Veecee to score his 10th win.
Nine of his victories have come at Wagga, but Hillier's brother Brad Hillyer doesn't believe he's a one-track specialist.
"I think last week if he had of got a bit of luck he was a moral, but in his last three or four runs he's had no luck," Hillyer said.
"You need barrier draws to win races, but bad barriers are just racing."
With seven wins in his last 10 starts at Wagga, being drawn to lead was a big bonus.
Blessed with brilliant gatespeed, the four-year-old was able to dictate in front to set a mile rate of 1:59.6.
"He was drawn to lead and he didn't have much luck at Echuca, so back drawn on the front it takes a nice horse to beat him," Hillyer said.
"The horse can go two minutes over 2100m so when he's in front, cruising at those speeds it makes it hard for the back makers to get into it."
The win was the second victory on the program for the Hillier team with Bells Beach House saluting in the Uranquinty Hotel Pace (2165m).
Overcoming a outside draw, a lightning mid-race move from driver David Moran proved to be the difference.
Catching leader Starbyebye napping, Bells Beach House was able to find the front before careering away for a 12.6-metre win.
Placed in its last two starts, Bells Beach House was able to
"He's a nice type and Shane (Hillier) has a lot of time for him," Hillyer said.
"When he's right he can do a bit of work and he's pretty versatile - he can lead, come from back and goes very good."