Derek The Jet set for Major League showing

Consummate three-year-old squargaiter Derek The Jet (Volstead) will make his harness racing return to Melton Entertainment Park this Saturday night for the first time since his $150,000 Nutiren Equine Classic success.

The winner of four consecutive races to start his career is entered for Saturday night’s Group 3 The VHRC Holmfield for trainer-driver Nathan Jack.

“He seems good and his trials have been good,“ Jack said.

The gelding who has amassed close to $100,000 in prizemoney hasn’t raced since April 20.

“He is on a hard mark so he can only race three-year-olds otherwise he would have to race metro-grade horses,” he said. “He has had a couple of trials against fast class trotters and he has handled himself well.”

Jack, 38, has drawn barrier two for the $30,000 event with the Brian Gath-prepared Billy Zippin in gate one for the 1720m event.

“I think the aim will be to cross and lead and hold the front. I’m tipping that Billy Zippin would be pretty happy to sit on the back of Derek The Jet,” Jack said.

The gelding named after one of the most prolific Major League baseballers in Derek Jeter is set to target some of Victoria’s squaregaiting features to close out his three-year-old season.

“I will target him for the Breeders Crown and the Victorian Derby,” Jack said.

The Holmfield is set to go at 7.39pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria