Mark Pitt breaks through in Victoria Derby

Prolific classics harness racing driver Mark Pitt finally broke through winning his first Victoria Derby on Best Deal (American Ideal) when he edged out Some American In the Group 1 $200,000 Woodlands Stud Victoria Pacers Derby at Melton.

Despite having already won 27 Group 1 races Pitt had never won a Victoria Derby previously despite going close on former occasions.

And he copied exactly his driving tactics from when he won his Heat the week before from sitting behind the leader. Confidently supported Best Deal was the clear favourite ahead of Bay of Biscay and Miki to Success. 

In the final Pitt was content to allow stablemate Some American to take the early lead. 

Miki To Success made a run early to go up and then Bay of Biscay was sent up to race up alongside Some American. 

Pitt patiently nursed Best Deal on the final bend and just as Some American cleared away Best Deal made a run along the inside to win by a short half head from the luckless Some American and Miki To Success third.

The Emma Stewart-prepared Best Deal takes out the Group 1 Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby Final, with Mark Pitt in the sulky.
The first four over the line were all trained by Emma Stewart – an impressive training performance. pic.twitter.com/ercGlTkJYf

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) October 12, 2024

Emma Stewart maintained her wonderful record in classics training the first four finishers. 

Pitt commented after the race “I was fortunate to drive the best horse in the race. He did get the best run in the race. He’s a pretty good horse. I wasn’t as confident as last week. They buzzed up the last 600 metres. They went 25.9 for the last quarter.”

Co trainer Clayton Tonkin was pleased and explained that Best Deal has had quite a few soundness issues so his efforts to win both heat and final of the Derby is even more meritorious. Tonkin is tossing whether to run the colt in the Breeders Crown but at this stage he is favouring setting him for next year’s Chariots of Fire when he will be a four year old. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink