Derby battle won by Marketplace

They’ve been at it all season, Marketplace and Got The Chocolates and tonight in the $300,000 Group One Garrards New Zealand Pacing Derby it was no different.

Got The Chocolates had beaten his arch rival in their last two starts. However tonight belonged to Marketplace (Bettor’s Delight). He led and parked Got The Chocolates and at the line was a neck in front of the Dunn runner.

There were a further seven and a half lengths back to Bettor’s Anvil, showing just how superior these two fine three year olds are.

MARKETPLACE REPLAY

The winning time was 3-08.9 with the last mile run in 1-54, the last 800 run in a staggering 53.7 and the final 400 in 25.6.

‘It’s been amazing in the last couple of months, the amount of people who’ve come up to me to say how much they enjoy watching these two horses. It’s so good to share it with Craig (driver Craig Ferguson) and racing against Johnny, RJ and Jenna (Dunn) too. It’s awesome and just a privilege,” a gracious trainer Regan Todd said after the win.

This is the sixth time Glenys and Phil Kennard have won the New Zealand Derby. Their other winners have been Captain Peacock (2010), Fly Like An Eagle (2012), Border Control (2013), Lazarus (2016) and Ultimate Sniper (2019).

The winning stake of $165,000 pushes Marketplace’s three year old earnings to $590,650 and advances his battle for the New Zealand Three Year Old Pacing Colt or Gelding of the Year title at the end of the year.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink