Terry’s Rebel looks set for Derby rumble

Terry Howard and Rosanna Rebel (He’s Watching) will be looking to cause a major harness racing upset when they combine on Saturday in the Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby heats.

The horse, to be driven by Michael Bellman, will be leaving from gate one in the first qualifier of the time-honoured classic at Melton.

The Cranbourne trainer has had a few hurdles since the gelding’s last run on September 15.

“His preparation has been a little bit interrupted because he has had a few foot issues,” Howard said.

“Unfortunately, the horse has not been blessed with the best feet, but at the moment he is at 100 per cent.

“He’s probably the fittest he’s ever been and going very well. He will be going to the Derby heats with high hopes.”

Howard is confident that Rosanna Rebel’s previous foot injury won’t play a part on Saturday night.

“Yes, his feet are fine at the moment, no issues,” Howard expressed.

“We have got over that with the help of our terrific farrier Matt Martin down at Cranbourne and his feet are perfect at the moment. Have no problems with that.”

The Derby heat field consists of the newly-crowned Vicbred Super Series champion Petracca, who will start a red-hot favourite in the event.

The 2760m distance doesn’t faze Howard heading into a Derby heat with the potential to back-up seven days later.

“We have been working to 3200m and he goes to the line pretty strong,” he said.

“None of these younger horses have probably gone over that distance before. So, it’s a question mark for all of them really.

“It’ll question not only Rosanna Rebel but all the horses over that distance. He can handle things pretty well and he’s shown that before.

“So, all he needs to do is relax. He has had the tendency to want to get going at the 600 sometimes.”

The top six horses from both heats on Saturday will progress to the final on Victoria Cup night, October 14, at Melton.

For complete race results, click here.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria