Sparks will be flying in Victoria Trotters Derby

The stage has been set for an intriguing Kiwi versus Aussie title fight in next Sunday’s (October 29) $75,000 Haras Des Trotteurs Victoria Trotters Derby final—the feature event at Maryborough Harness Racing Club’s iconic Redwood Day.

Two heats were contested yesterday (Oct 22) with a pre-emptive knockout delivered by visiting NZ star Lovemeto (What The Hill), who toyed with his rivals to post a 31 metre victory in the first qualifier. Then followed a tradesman-like performance by The Locomotive (Muscle Mass), who while not as so eye-catching, held off some highly talented square-gaiters in what was recognized as the stronger division of the two.

The Locomotive, prepared at Shepparton by Wayne Potter, took an early lead with reinsman Nathan Jack keen to have his main rivals in London To A Brick, Shes Ruby Roo and Not As Promised to be doing the chasing.

After a 62 second first half, Jack gave the colt some rein and he slipped into another gear with final sections of 28.8 and 28.4—and seemingly had plenty more to give. London To A Brick was awesome after death-seating most of the trip, while Shes Ruby Roo ran on from the one-out and two-back spot.

In the opening qualifier, Lovemeto’s trainer-driver Dylan Ferguson made no secret pre-race that he would be injecting some excitement into the 2690metre event, saying he’d like nothing better than to be in front with his strong stayer and rolling along.

One of the bolters in Ess Kay Hollywood led early from the pole but handed up when Ferguson pressed forward on the beautifully bred gelding. After a first half in 62.6, the tempo quickened when Lovemeto was allowed to bowl, carving out final splits of 28.5 and 28.9, apparently in a stroll.

Lovemeto, with a career record of 10 starts for five wins and four placings, scored officially by 31.2 metres from Dichotomy (Greg Sugars) with Shaq The Anvil (Anthony Butt) holding down third spot.

The story behind Lovemeto is a promoter’s dream with the trotter being prepared by Ferguson along with his training partner, the charismatic Graeme Rogerson—a legend in the thoroughbred world with over 5000 wins.

Among his notable victories are Efficient in the 2007 Melbourne Cup, the Victoria Derby the previous year and the 2009 Turnbull Stakes; Just A Dancer in the 1991 Sydney and Brisbane Cups; Polar Success, winner of the 2003 Golden Slipper Stakes; Smiling Like in the 2000 NZ Cup, 2001 Trentham Stakes and Wellington Cup; Katie Lee: a winner of the NZ 1000 and 2000 Guineas in 2009; Savabeel who won the 2004 Spring Champion Stakes and Cox Plate; and Sharp ‘n’ Smart, this year’s winner of the Herbie Dyke Stakes and NZ Derby.

In the 2004 Queen’s Birthday Honors he was awarded the Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to the racing and breeding industry.

Rogerson has often talked of his “love for the trotters” in interviews and has actually been a registered harness racing trainer for 15 years, during which time he’s trained in four partnerships.

The random barrier draw for next Sunday’s final could play a big hand, but the Derby never fails to deliver both excitement and a strategic battle between some of the Australasia’s most talented three-year-old square gaiters.

Redwood Day also features the running of what’s regarded the most prestigious of Australia’s 2yo trotting features, the $50K Redwood Classic.

The barrier draws and fields for Sunday’s features will be released on Wednesday.

Maryborough’s hallmark two-day square-gaiting carnival is the only one of its type in Australia and trotting devotees travel from across the country to witness its unique flavor and atmosphere.

Fans can whet their appetite on Friday (October 27) with an all-trotting card featuring the $10K Maryborough District Advertiser Trotters Handicap.

The social highlight, the ever-popular Redwood Classic Dinner Dance, returns this year for the Saturday evening. Country music headliner Paul Costa will feature.

The big one – Redwood Day on Sunday – assembles some of Australia’s finest young trotters and plenty of on-track entertainment. Food trucks will be onsite throughout the day, live music is back with popular western district band ‘Old Melbourne Road’, and a great family day includes pony trots and entertainment for the kids.  Lunch bookings for the dining room are essential and always sell out.  To book or to make inquiries about the carnival, the club can be contacted on (03) 5464 2451.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink