Old lion's quick response to young cub's comment

JUST hours after one of his cubs talked some smack, an old lion sent a reminder of who is still King of the stable last night.

A recent heat winner at Tabcorp Park Melton, young reinsman Riley Pace is poised to contest tomorrow night's Inter Dominion Pony Trot at the same venue.

For miniature ponies, the Final will be conducted over 600 metres, with Pace and his star Wheres Wally the back markers.

Pace and Wally will give the front line a 20-metre head start.

Pace is the son of accomplished horseman Darren, who won the 2001 Brisbane Trotters' Inter Dominion Consolation with Avatar.

"Dad has done okay winning a Consolation, but I want to go one better and win an Inter Dominion Final," Pace said.

"My brother Blake already drives, and then once I start next year, I don't think Dad will get a turn anymore.

"Dad's had his day...Blake and I are the new and improved versions!"

Responding in the perfect manner, Darren was successful with former New Zealand filly, Gossip Girl.

Outstaying her rivals in 2:00.5 over 2180 metres, the three-year-old broke her maiden for Darren at her fourth start, scoring by 10-and-a-half metres from Leave Your Hat On.

Diamond Shooz was four-and-a-half metres away third.

The daughter of Bettors Delight was third upon debut before a pair of seconds.

"That will remind the kids the old man has still got it," Darren said. "It'll be a while before I hang up my whip."