Taiba is Derby bound again

Freddy Taiba knows what it takes to win a Derby.

Taiba put the polish on Sushi Sushi, one of the most exciting harness racing pacers of the modern era, who took out the 2010 Alabar Victoria Derby Final.

While NSW Derby aspirant Nathan Street is yet to reach the lofty standards of Sushi Sushi, Taiba is nevertheless buoyant about the son of Lazarus’ future on the race track.

Nathan Street produced the eye catching run of last week’s heats when was beaten half a neck by Bay Of Biscay (Somebeachsomewhere) after losing valuable ground when he galloped in the early stages of the race.

Nathan Street was 10 metres off Bay Of Biscay at the 400 metre mark and the winner proceeded to reel off a 26.1 last sectional.

Taiba was matter of fact when asked his assessment of Nathan Street’s performance.

“I would expect nothing less from him, he’s a serious horse,” Taiba said.

Taiba explained a gear malfunction was the cause of Nathan Street to gallop.

“The hopple shorteners wrapped around his legs,” he said.

“We’ve taken steps to make sure that doesn’t happen again and you’ll see a different horse this week,” he said.

Taiba expects Nathan Street, the $5.50 second elect, to take up a forward position from his mid-row draw.

“He has gate speed and will be better suited from (barrier) five than the pole last week but Jack (Trainor) will play it by ear and the main aim is to get him out safely,” he said.

Not surprisingly, the Mark and Nathan Purdon trained We Walk By Faith (Bettors Delight) has been installed a $1.85 Derby favorite from the pole following his effortless heat win.

“It was a perfect way to get through the heat, a nice easy win,” Mark Purdon said.

“And from that draw, he’s got the early speed to give us options,” he said.

The lightly raced Emma Stewart trained Bay Of Biscay, a narrow heat winner, is on the third line of betting from his favorable draw (barrier four) and should be at his peak after two runs back from a spell.

Emerging Victorian colt Sergeant Lou (Sweet Lou) was the first horse qualified for the Derby after winning the R C Simpson Sprint a fortnight ago in impressive fashion rating 1:51.5.

Prominent freelance reinsman Michael Bellman, who is searching for his first Group 1 success, will need to produce one of the finest drives of his career after Sergeant Lou was allocated a wide draw coming out of barrier nine.

For complete race entries, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink