Darren DeFilippi Memorial

by Matt Markham

They’ve driven a combined total of more than 330 winners, but the group of junior drivers contesting tonight’s prestigious Darren DeFilippi Memorial at Addington would give most, if not all, of those wins back to claim victory into tonight’s special event.

Premierships and victories are nice. But a win in one of the most sought after races a junior driver will contest in their time in the ranks is high up the pecking order and any young driver will tell you of their desire to get their name on the trophy that means so much to the harness racing industry, particularly in Canterbury.

DeFilippi, the son of trainers Colin and Julie, was tragically killed in a car accident while on his way home from the Orari races in 1995, leaving the harness racing community reeling at the loss of such a talented young horseman.

In his second season of driving at the time of his death, DeFilippi was already making a big impact on the Canterbury harness scene with 15 winners next to his name and was being touted for bigger and better things.

The Memorial race, named in his honour, has been held each season since 1996 with some of the best young driving talents to have worked their way through the junior ranks having been lucky enough to win it.

Gavin Smith (twice; Bristle – 2003 and Atomic Dusk – 2005) and Matthew Williamson (three times; Maori Invasion – 2011, Beyond Reason – 2012 and William Lance -2013) are multiple winners of the event.

This year a new winner will be crowned, with no previous driving victors going around.

The sentimental favourite will be He’s Like The Wind, driven by Loren Lester who currently works for the DeFilippi stable. A big winner at Timaru last week, there is every conceivable chance that the Gavin Smith trained runner can go back-to-back in what is a very open field.

New Zealand’s two leading junior drivers, Rory McIlwrick and Matt Anderson are both in with a show. McIlwrick has the power of the Phil Williamson colours on his drive, Danielle Amore. Williamson has trained three winners of the race.

Anderson picks up the drive on the talented Robbie Holmes trotter, Redwood Invasion. Often enigmatic, the big trotter has a huge motor and is a chance to jump and run from the one barrier draw.

Sheree Tomlinson will fancy herself a chance in the race with the in-form Lord Roydon.

The Michael House trained runner has won his last two starts at Forbury with patient Dexter Dunn drives and a repeat performance will see him go close tonight.

Jeremy Markham will be hoping he can sign off on his time as a junior driver in the right fashion when he jumps on board his father, Carl’s trotter Jean Sebastien.

The trio will contest the race for the third time having finished fourth, second and third in their three attempts.

Addington Selections by Matt Markham

Race 1: All Settled Down, Craddock, Idle Moose, Sunny Bill

Race 2: Boults On Fire, Le Vado, Especial, Covered N Diamonds

Race 3: Daylight Robbery, Spirit Of Delight, Bettor Chance, Take After Me

Race 4: Hall Of Fame, Ace High, Letsgotothehop, Rishi

Race 5: Lord Roydon, Redwood Invasion, Jean Sebastien, Danielle Amore

Race 6: Vera’s Delight, Jody Direen, No More Change, Art Exhibit

Race 7: Donegal Bettorgretch, Ronald J, Petite One, Jayceekay

Race 8: Usain Colt, Billy Badger, Bite The Bullet, Donegal Carrickfin

Race 9: Mistahmistah, For The Corz, Honour The Bet, Maninthemirror

Best Bet: Mistahmistah (Race 9)

Value: Vera’s Delight (Race 6)

Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com

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