Former Apprentice Seeking To Topple Old Master In Harness Million

Trent Yesberg is hoping he can get the better of his old boss when he heads to Addington Raceway on Friday to contest the $75,000 Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 2YO Mobile Trot (1980m).

He cut his teeth in the industry under the guidance of Brent Lilley when he was training in New Zealand, and now the Victoria-based horseman has returned home with juvenile trotter Kyvalley Ray (NZ) (Bold Eagle), who is a short-priced favourite for Friday’s feature.

“Brent Lilley is the first trainer I ever started with when I was a kid,” Yesberg said. “I used to hop on the motorbike and ride down the road. Now he is based in Australia and has brought a horse back to New Zealand, so it is quite funny that we are going head-to-head in this race.”

Yesbery’s contender, Who’s Ya Daddy (NZ) (Elite Stride), takes a last-start placing in the Group Three “The Sundon” 2YO Mobile Trot (1980m) into the race and he believes his gelding is on song for Friday.

“He is training on well,” Yesberg said, “I have been happy with his first couple of performances and this has been one of his main targets, so we have got him pretty right.

“There have been a few wee challenges along the way, as you do with any growing horse, but his work has been good and he is healthy, so I am excited.”

The Elite Stride gelding has put together a strong record, winning one and placing in five of his six starts, including placing in the Group Three 2YO Southern Classic (2200m), Group Three NZ 2YO Trotting Stakes (1980m), and The Sundon, all behind the Nathan Williamson-trained Duchess Maria (NZ) (Father Patrick).

“It was unfortunate to run into her otherwise he probably could have picked up one of those,” Yesberg said.

“He is a very nice horse and very genuine. He is still probably six months away but he is just a great little trotter and he will give it his best shot.”

There will be just four runners in Saturday’s race, and while Yesberg said it would have been great for the series to have a bigger field, he is excited to be racing for the prizemoney on offer.

“It is hard with these two-year-old trotters,” he said. “It is a bit different to the pacers, they don’t have things around their legs holding them in their gait and if they are just a bit weak it makes it a bit of a challenge. I think that is reflected in the numbers. I think there are a couple that could be in there, but it is just the way it goes.

“I am thrilled to be racing for $75,000 with only four horses in the race.”

While Kyvalley Ray is rated as the horse to beat, Yesberg isn’t writing off his gelding.

“He (Kyvalley Ray) is a really lovely horse and he has shown that he has got a few tricks,” Yesberg said. “We haven’t counted ourselves out. Our guy is on the up and that guy has had a couple of more races, so I expect him to be hitting peak fitness for this week.”

Yesberg purchased Who’s Ya Daddy out of Alabar’s 2023 NZB Standardbred National Weanling Sale draft for $8,000 and offered him as a yearling the following year where he failed to meet his reserve, which proved to be a blessing in disguise.

“I bought about four or five that year and he just had a nice walk,” Yesberg said. “He was light on his feet and he has proven that as a racing proposition too, he is beautifully gaited and is the ultimate professional. 

“I think he will end up being the best horse I have trained. He has given me a great feel from day one.”

Suttle (NZ) (Tactical Landing), and Regal Summit (NZ) (What The Hill) are also in contention for Friday nights $75,000 Listed Harness Million spoils. 

 

Draw	Horse	Vendor	Purchaser	Breeders	Sale	Owner
1	Suttle (NZ) (Tactical Landing x Lovemelikeyoudo)	Breckon Farms Ltd	Diamond Racing	Breckon Farms Ltd	2024 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Auckalnd  ($75,000)	S C Taylor, V Inglis, Off N Racing Selena Syndicate, B J Connors, C T O'Callaghan, G Law, Mrs J Burrow, N Wertz,
2	Regal Summit  (NZ) (What the Hill x Regal Love)	Breckon Farms Ltd	TD Bagrie Ltd	Breckon Farms Ltd	2024 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Auckland ($40,000)	Breckon Racing Syndicate, Dr T B Taylor, TD Bagrie Limited, Centaurus Syndicate, D J Caldwell, N S Reid
3	Who's Ya Daddy (NZ) (Elite Stride x One Night Stand)	Alabar (NZ) Ltd	Ripple Creek	Alabar (NZ) Ltd	2023 National Standardbred Weanling Sale ($8,000) & 2024 National Yearling Sale, Auckland ($15,000)	D R Beckingsale, P Doake, Mrs D Doake, G J Lange, M D Cosgrove, Yesberg Bloodstock Limited, M T Taylor, D P Fahey, Alps Racing Syndicate, Ripple Creek Henry Syndicate
4	Kyvalley Ray (NZ) (Bold Eagle x Kenny's Dream)	Ms BA Williamson	Kyvalley Racing	P M Williamson	2024 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Christchurch ($100,000)	J W Connelly, S Maxwell