Perfect start to title defence continues

REIGNING champion Just Believe has continued a perfect start to his title defence.

Winner of last season's Melton-based Inter Dominion, Just Believe is unbeaten in the first two rounds of this year's series at Albion Park.

Successful over the sprint journey last Friday night, the Jess Tubbs-trained trotter repeated the dose over 2138 metres last evening.

With Tubbs' reinsman-husband Greg Sugars in the cart, Just Believe travelled outside the leader, Plymouth Chubb, before scoring by a half-neck from the front runner.

Musafa Metro completed a Victorian trifecta when nine metres away third

Just Believe rated 1:57, with his time eight-tenths of a second slower than Olivici in the opening qualifier.

Co-trained and driven by Chris Lang, Olivici finished stoutly to grab the lead in the last stride, scoring by a short half-head from a gallant Queen Elida.

Local hope, Gus, produced an eye-catching performance to be a metre away third.

Also unbeaten from two rounds, Olivici is co-trained by Sonia Mahar.

Tightening in betting markets, the son of Orlando Vici is on the fourth line of TAB Fixed Odds at $6.50, with Just Believe the $1.70 favourite to win the Final on December 16.

Queen Elida and Plymouth Chubb split the pair at $4.40 and $6.