After galloping in the Vic Frost Cup a fortnight ago, the seven-year-old gelding didn’t line up in the group 3 J.L. Raith Memorial, instead entering a $20,400 free-for-all.

That previous misfortune did little to deter punters, who sent Suave Stuey Lombo out at the razor-sharp odds of $1.60, and the gelding did little to disappoint with a lead-all-the-way win.

Speaking to Harness Racing NSW’s Trots TV after the race, Tritton was hopeful his horse’s recent form would be enough to earn a start in the prestigious race, which will take place this Saturday night at Sandown.

“It’s the Vic Cup – we’d love to go, we want to go and we think he should be there,” he said.

“He’s one five of his last eight starts, and two of the times he’s been beaten  he’s galloped, so it’s a bit hard to be critical of him.

“He’s won a group 1, he’s raced in group company over the mile – he can’t do any more than what he’s done.”

Tritton said the gelding would likely then be aimed at the Inter Dominion next month, regardless of whether a Victoria Cup start was earned.

Elsewhere beaten Inter City Pace finalist Strathlachlan Andy franked the form of Maitland’s group 3 feature on Friday night, claiming Tamworth’s $25,000 Golden Guitar Final.

The five-year-old gelding, prepared by Bob’s Farm trainer Geoff Harding, overcame a wide barrier draw and raced without cover before going on to score by four metres at the quote of $7.

Strathlachlan Andy’s win came in his first since finishing sixth in the Inter City Pace final on January 3, having finished second in a Golden Guitar heat a week before that.

Tritton’s Bien Hoa ($8.30) had a similiarly difficult run in the final, but failed to run on and finished 26 metres behind the winner in eighth.

Tritton had better luck elsewhere on the nine-race card, with Modern Chic ($1.80F), Yayas Hot Spot ($1.30F) and Glenisla ($3.80) all saluting.

Newcastle International Paceway also was in action on Saturday night, with Ellalong trainer/driver Michael Formosa punctuating the eight-race card with a winning double with Ultimate Trump ($4.40) and Star Of Darwinia ($4.50) winning races five and seven.

East Maitland trainer Robin Hosking opened the meeting with old stager My Late Best Mate ($5.80) winning race one, while Margot Lennox’s six-year-old mare Motu Miss Lilli ($2.80F) was victorious in race three.

Harness racing continues in the Hunter with meetings at Newcastle International Paceway on Thursday afternoon and Saturday night.