Danny eyeing up a dream Derby double

Leviathan owner Danny Zavitsanos is primed for what could be his biggest day in racing on Saturday.

And that’s saying something for the man who has the iconic NZ Cup with Cruz Bromac and a host of other major races.

Zavitsanos’ Saturday starts with his quest for an unprecedented Derby double. Having won harness racing’s Victoria Derby a couple of weeks back with Fox Dan, he can add thoroughbred racing’s Victoria Derby at Flemington with Highvol.

The young Nick Ryan-trained stayer raised Zavitsanos’ hopes with a fighting second in last Thursday’s Geelong Classic, historically a good Derby guide.

Zavitsanos will be straight in the car and out to Melton to watch four of his best pacers – Mach Dan, Oliver Dan, Petracca and Viney – race Saturday night.

“We think we’re in the Derby with a chance,” Zavitsanos said. “Highvol was ridden upside down at Geelong. After being trapped wide, he worked forward to lead. He’s better with a sit and trying to rundown other horses.

“(Mark) Zahra said the horse didn’t see the winner and said we absolutely should push on to the Derby.”

With Zahra committed to favourite Observer, Jamie Mott will take the ride on Highvol.

“I was actually involved with the thoroughbreds before the harness, but switched and it’s only in the past couple of years I’ve got back into racing a few gallopers, too,” Zavitsanos said.

“To think I’m a chance of winning the Derby double in the space of just a few weeks is incredible.

“Win, lose or draw, I’ll be straight from Flemington to Melton. It’s an important night there, too.”

The night starts early for Zavitsanos and his wife, Jo, with two of their favourites Oliver Dan (gate three) and Mach Dan (eight) in race one.

“Mach Dan will be fitter for his good first-up run, but Oliver Dan has a better draw and he got too far back at Menangle last start. He’ll be hard to beat from the draw,” Zavitsanos said.

“We’re looking at the first leg of the NSW Carnival of Cups at Wagga (November 14) with Oliver Dan or one of our other horses, War Dan Buddy.”

Zavitsanos is most excited at Melton about his young star Petracca’s quest to make it two wins from as many starts on the comeback trail in race two.

Petracca has only raced four times since winning the 2023 Victoria Derby and boasts 12 wins from just 18 starts.

He was breathtaking winning at his first start for 14 months at Melton on October 11.

“The long range plan is the Miracle Mile with him. He’s such a fast horse,” Zavitsanos said.

“We’re just going to race him through the classes for now and it’s another test for him from the back row (gate nine) against nice horses like Fate Awaits, Look Like Diamonds and others this week.”

It’s then a long wait for the last of eight races at Melton when talented but enigmatic Viney chases his sixth win from just 14 starts.

“You’re starting to see the best of him now. He’s had some issues, but Emma (Stewart) and Clayton (Tonkin) have changed a few things and he’s not far off a horse like Fox Dan on sheer talent.”

If you think there’s a real Melbourne AFL flavour about Zavitsanos’ horses, you’re right. He’s a big Melbourne fan and named many of them after the Demons’ 2021 drought-breaking premiership.

By Adam Hamilton for Harness Racing Victoria