Derek is a jet

Derek The Jet (Volstead) maintained his unbeaten harness racing record when he took out the $150,000 Haras Des Trotteurs Nutrien Equine Classic (3YO Trotting Colts & Geldings) Final. 

As easy as you like for Derek The Jet after taking out the Haras Des Trotteurs Nutrien Equine Classic three-year-old Trotting Colts & Geldings Final for trainer-driver Nathan Jack. pic.twitter.com/PMgRozbC5f

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) April 20, 2024

Sent out the $1.28 favorite, Derek The Jet pressed forward at the start and won a spirited early battle for the lead over his main danger Val Thorens ($5) with Valentino in third place. 

Derek The Jet straightened in front and victory was sealed after  Val Thorens galloped when challenging along the sprint lane and it was left to Locksley Cavalier who charged home from back in the field to fill second placing. 

Jack said the son of Volstead has been a project horse. 

“It took a long time for him to click on what he was doing and there a few people I need to thank including Todd Matthews and all the staff at home,” Jack said.  

“Six months ago I was concerned that he wasn’t going to make it to the races and now he’s four from four,” he said. 

Jack was pleased with the win considering the quality of the opposition. 

“It was a strong field and there were two Group 1 winners in the field,” he said. 

“All credit to him as he had to work early and then to get home in 27.7 and we only went from the top of the straight it just goes to show the sheer speed he has.” 

A clever drive by comeback Reinsman Josh Aiken paved the way for Maoris Mac to take out the $150,000 Haras Des Trotteurs Nutrien Equine Classic (3Y0 Trotting Fillies Final). 

Punters were on good terms with themselves when the $1.80 favorite We Can Have It All led while Maoris Mac was buried four horses back along the pegs. 

Aiken, who was having his first race drive since June last year, somehow managed to extricate Maoris Mac away from the pegs with 600 metres to travel and the son of Volstead quickly gathered momentum. 

Preferred Love was being hailed the winner when Maoris Mac ($18) finished stoutly down the centre of the track scoring by a metre from Preferred Love and We Can Have It All. 

Aiken admitted he couldn’t have scripted the race any better. 

““She’s a really nice filly and the race panned out perfectly with a genuine speed and then to get the split down the back was great,” Aiken said. 

The winner is raced by harness racing stalwart John (Bluey) McHugh. 

“And to get a winner for Bluey was pretty special,” he said.  

“He worked at the Showgrounds then Moonee Valley and here at Melton as well, he really deserved this win.” 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink