‘Marcus’ gives family first G1 runner

He admits it started as a bit of banter – but at Melton last Saturday night (Oct. 1) things suddenly got serious in the best possible way for former West Australian harness racing trainer Ashleigh Markham and his improving youngster Codename Marcus (Pet Rock).

The pacer weighed in among the final qualifiers and has drawn barrier three in one of the most prestigious events on the 3yo racing calendar, the Downbytheseaside Victoria Derby. It’s the first time Markham will have a runner in a Group One event.

And while Codename Marcus faces a gargantuan task in Saturday night’s (Oct 8) final against the red-hot Captain Ravishing (Captaintreacherous), the other super impressive heat winner Major Perry (Art Major) and the likes of NSW visitor Ripp (Somebeachsomewhere), he’s earnt his spot and the Markham family is enjoying the ride!

“When we were planning the move over here (to Charlton) and deciding which horses to bring, we joked that we’d win the Derby with Codename Marcus,” Markham laughed.

“Well, we can’t win but it’s just so satisfying that we have him racing somewhere near the best of what he’s capable of at this stage,” he said.

“It’s a bit surreal – he’s still very immature and green and I think there will be a lot more to him in 12 months’ time.  But to get where he has is unbelievable.  And you’ve got to dream a little bit, don’t you?”

Markham said Codename Marcus was sent to his WA stable as a yearling by long-time owner-trainer Larry Nelligan and raced in WA at his second preparation.

“I had him a few weeks and ran him up the straight at Bunbury and I thought he was pretty special – I told Larry we’d take him on, then found he wasn’t eligible for WA futurities, that he was actually VicBred,” he said.

“That was a bit disappointing, but it’s turned out for the better because once we decided to move over here, he raced just six weeks after we arrived then won his first race and his VicBred bonus at his fifth start here.

“He’s really been up ever since with just little breaks to try to manage him through to this day. He’s a pretty quiet and chilled character and while we joked about the Derby thing, there was never any pressure on him.  But he stayed well and sound and we just kept him fresh and ticking over.”

Markham said he was pleased with Codename Marcus’s development, particularly over the past six weeks.

“He’s really starting to learn that he has a bit of ability, he’s getting a bit of spunk about him.  He was always a little bit rangy and it was tricky trying to keep the weight on him after a run – but he’s really come of age over the past six weeks, filling out and really looking like a horse.

“That makes the job a lot easier for him and for me. I don’t think the barrier draw is a big deal for Captain Ravishing wherever he drew, but for us it’s a big deal!”

Markham said qualifying for the Derby final was a huge thrill for himself, his wife Tamara and their four children, Ajay, Chaise, Nate and Bonnie.

“It’s been a big eight months for us (since relocating to Victoria), but nights like Saturday night make it all worthwhile.  The kids have all settled into school and our family is really happy and I think we’re probably looking at the long term here now,” he said.

“The Charlton community is fantastic, and the only hitch is that Tamara did her AC joint playing netball – she’s booked in for surgery at Bendigo on Friday, but it doesn’t matter if we have to bring her in on a wheelchair, she’ll be at the trots on Saturday night!”

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink