Fox Dan’s epic Victoria Derby win

Young driver Ryan Sanderson landed his first Group 1 harness racing success on Fox Dan (Art Major) when the colt finished brilliantly to win the $200,000 Group 1 Woodlands Stud Victoria Pacers Derby Final at Melton on Saturday evening.

A top class pacer throughout his junior career Fox Dan was a prohibitive favourite having drawn the pole. However it didn’t go all his way as he had to kick up to hold out the noted Queensland speedster Final Decision. By that stage he has used up a fair amount.

A daring move by Michael Stanley on Sao Paolo Simba saw him take up the running and Fox Dan was then pocketed behind the leader.

Hesitate then had the one out and one back trail. Captain Perfect then went around the field to race outside the leader from the bell.

Despite having had a hard run Captain Perfect got the better of Sao Paolo Simba but Fox Dan was extricated off the fence and showing plenty of dash he cleared away to defeat Captain Perfect who battled on doggedly for second with It’s Confidential finishing on for third placing.

Fate Awaits who was well back in the run was out wide in the final lap but with the leaders running their last two quarters in 27.7 and 27.8 seconds he had little chance of making up much ground and he ended up in fifth.

FOX DAN OCT 18 REPLAY

It was an emotional Ryan Sanderson following the event.

“I’m lost for words. It was amazing. I was a little bit worried with the lead time. Was just doing a lot of research on these lead times. He had to burn pretty hard. Eventually I took a sit on Mick Stanley. That was fine. I was confident he’d get me to where I needed to be. But I had to get out a bit early. It’s a credit to Clayton and Emma for this horse. He’s burnt so hard early and soon as I pulled him out he never felt like getting beat.”

“He’s just an amazing horse. It’s life changing driving these kind of horses. It’s an amazing thrill and I’m honoured and privileged to get the opportunity to drive these horses. I’m so lucky and glad to make the most of it.”

“Mum and Dad have helped me get to this point. They deserve all the success I get. So they’ve helped with this one.”

Captain Perfect was splendid in defeat giving Emma Stewart the one two training feat and It’s Confidential finished well to take third.

But all honours were with the winner and he has the makings of a very good horse in the future.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink