VHRSC Victoria Derby (3rd Heat) (3YO)
Winner: Sprinter (7)
Trainer: Greg Elson; Driver: Nathan Turvey
Race Distance: 2,200 metres Mile Rate: 1.56.5
photography: Stuart McCormick
Trained by a Tasmanian and representing Western Australia a March Three colt called Sprinter showed the Kiwi’s that the Victorian Derby won’t just be theirs for the taking.
Trained by former Tasmanian Gary Elson and driven by Nathan Turvey, Sprinter mile rate of 1.56.5 was same as Kiwi invader Lazarus who won the opening heat.
Sprinter in his heat was parked for a couple of hundred metres before receiving a trail on the back of the very smart Power Of Red and Amanda Turnbull who took up the death seat.
The pace really went on from the half in this heat with Kingofthestars brushing down the back in 27.7 but Power Of Red and Sprinter were still in touch as they turned for home.
Just when it looked like Kingofthestars would prevail, Sprinter flew late to grab the favourite for a very smart win.
For Sprinter it was his ninth win from just 12 starts.
As mentioned New Zealander Lazarus took out the first heat for Mark Purdon and Don’t Hold Back turned the tables on Brallos Pass who he finished second too in the South Australian Derby a fortnight earlier.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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