The second feature event at The Gardens is the $75,000 Group One National Derby. The names Gatt and Hallinan feature heavily in the final and look to have the main chances. The race favourite is Boyce Road, drawn favourably in the red rug. The Derby final is race eight at 9:38pm.
Comments: Mark Gatt (Trainer) – “Boxed perfectly on the inside as it's a huge advantage in these types of races. He's got to jump and hold the fence position and I think he will go really well in this.”
Comments: James Coyle (Trainer) – “I'm really happy he's drawn near the rails but Boyce Road is still the one to beat. My dog has performed really well in this series and has been jumping so well, I'm just hoping he can do it again. He will be hard to beat if he gets to the lead.”
Comments: Trainer unavailable for comment. ARG opinion is – Has recorded just one win in his career, which was a 29.74 victory in a maiden race in November 2013. Ran fourth in both his heat and semi-final. This looks too tough for him at this stage of his career.
Comments: Cameron Hallinan (Kennel Representative) – “We didn't get the box we wanted for him but he is fit and ready to go. He will need some luck around the first corner and hope he jumps well.”
Comments: Trainer unavailable for comment. ARG opinion is – Consistent place-getter and has performed well during the series. Not the best beginner so may struggle with the squeeze box in this field.
Comments: Mark Gatt (Trainer) – “Both of his runs have been really good. He's not jumping really good but if he can get a bit closer to the leaders and get a good position, he will run a good race.”
Comments: Cameron Hallinan (Owner's Representative) – “I'm glad he got box eight and he has a good chance of getting to the first corner in front and if there's a hold up on the inside of the field he will have a real chance.”
Comments: Has great early speed but hasn't won at the track. Others look a better chance.
Best Unibet Gardens Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
29.88
30.75
4.98
4.98
Boyce Road (1) finds himself in his second Group One final in a matter of months and amazingly, he has only just turned two years old. The youngster has taken it all in his stride and possesses ability and race sense beyond his tender age. His only flaw is that he is a moderate beginner. However, if he gets room in the early stages of the race, he will be poised to steal this down the home straight.
Gatt's other runner is Ritza Hattie's brother, Ritza Raider (7). Just like his sister, he has not missed a place in his career, so based on that alone he is an each way chance. Zipping Brock (8) has drawn well on the outside and possesses a fast 29.54 PB. His littermate, Zipping Snoopy (5) hasn't drawn well but has shown ability in his eight starts, with good form down in Victoria prior to this series.
Waymore Blue's is another of Hallinan's with a chance. He has consistent box manners and six career wins from just 11 starts. Evil Punk (2) looks to be the best chance to upset Gatt and Hallinan's hold on this race. He has performed beautifully during the series, putting in consistent performances and improving at each look at the track. He hasn't missed a place from box two and it wouldn't be a surprise if he takes this race out.