Victoria Derby heats run and won

Classy colt Miki to Success (Always Be Miki) scored a thrilling harness racing win in the first heat of the $20,000 Victoria Pacers Derby at Melton last night. 

Stablemate and favourite Some American found the early lead with Miki to Success able to angle for a one out and one back trail after the other stablemate Kingman moved around the field to race outside the leader. 

Kingman continued to put pressure on Some American with a lap left to travel but Some American seemed to have his rivals measure when he kicked clear on the final bend. Jackie Barker on Miki to Success eased out at the same time and in the very last stride he eased out Some American with Kingman a close third after doing a heap of work outside the leader. 

Leading trainer Emma Stewart prepared all three placegetters and would be pleased at their performances as they all seem to be evenly matched. The last two quarters of 27.3 and 27.4 made it well nigh impossible for the chasing pack. 

A relieved Jackie Barker said after the event. “ The race went like when he won the Vicbred Final. But I was shocked that he got up. He didn’t wind up as good as his win last week and I didn’t think I got there. This type of racing really suits him, he gives everything and I’m looking forward to next week”. (the final).

The Emma Stewart-trained Miki To Success has taken out the first heat of the Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby for driver- Jackie Barker. pic.twitter.com/TnyHsaR7e6

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) October 5, 2024

The second heat saw a surprise win by Best Deal (American Dream) who upset his highly fancied stablemate Bay of Biscay with a withering burst to take victory on the line. 

Bay of Biscay was driven a copybook race by Cameron Hart who found the lead and was able to dictate the pace. Best Deal who had surrendered the lead early opted to take trail with Komodo caught outside the leader. 

The race stayed the same and Bay of Biscay looked to be cruising along the back straight with Best Deal trying to stick with him. Driver Mark Pitt pulled out in the home straight and the race turned into a sprinting match with Best Deal just edging out Bay of Biscay with NoNotheButtons a distant third.

Best Deal edges out stablemate Bay Of Biscay to take out the second heat of the Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby for Mark Pitt and Emma Stewart. pic.twitter.com/DdTv7f6mlH

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) October 5, 2024

Mark Pitt stated that he didn’t have a great deal of luck in the Vicbred final and said “He pulled quite hard. He had the head check on tonight and he relaxed really good. He’s a cocky little fella, very bouncy and up and about. I elected to follow with a trail as I know my fella is fast. It worked out perfect and we just hope for the barrier draw next week”.

As per the first heat, the first three runners were trained by Emma Stewart and she looks to have the $200,000 Final at her disposal. Much will depend on the barrier draw as any of the placegetters in ether heat would have sound prospects. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink