Derek soars in Vicbred Super Series

Outstanding young trotter Derek The Jet (Volstead) continued to build on his imposing picket fence form line in the Group 1 $100,000 Vicbred Super Series (3YO Trotting Colts & Geldings) harness racing Final at Melton. 

But he was made to earn it. 

Nathan Jack pressed forward from a wide draw and wrested the lead off Titan Stride in a 43.9 lead time before being joined by Valtino with a lap to travel. 

Valtino attempted to cross the leader with 700 metres to travel however Jack had sufficient in reserve to kick through and hold the front before surging clear in the home straight to score from the fast finishing Mister Blindside. 

Jack conceded he had to work harder than he would have liked to find the lead. 

“I didn’t really want to be going 43 and a bit for the lead time,” Jack said. 

After the race an emotional Jack paid tribute to his good friend and harness racing identity, the late Tom Hogan. 

“I just want to say to Sue Murray who is sitting at home watching, it’s been 12 months since Tom died and this one is for you,” he said. 

Jack said he was content to surrender the lead to Valtino in the back straight. 

“I was happy to hand up the lead as I was confident that I could still beat him but Greg’s horse got a bit lazy and mine got a bit keen, but I can’t wait for the day I get to drive him with a sit,” he said. 

Derek The Jet is a class above as he takes out the Group 1 E L Titan Vicbred Super Series for three-year-old trotting colts & geldings final for trainer-driver Nathan Jack. pic.twitter.com/TJonMZgqY9

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) September 14, 2024

Jack said Derek The Jet’s sometimes ungainly action belies his considerable ability. 

“He may look like a bit of an octopus but he doesn’t feel like it,” he said. 

Jack said Derek The Jet will stay at home to contest the feature races. 

“We’ll aim at the Need For Speed and then the Derby,” he said. 

The win was Derek The Jet’s first Group 1 success in seven unbeaten career starts. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink