Donald Rhodes’ Short Straw Trev wins the Western Districts Derby
Short Straw Trev produced a front-running masterclass to claim the Listed Western Districts Derby Final (450m) at Ballarat on Monday night.
Trained and owned by Donald Rhodes, the black-and-white sprinter showcased his renowned early speed, leading from start to finish in a brilliant 25.08 seconds.
Breaking cleanly from box two, the $3.50 second favourite with the leading greyhound bookmakers quickly assumed control, holding a clear advantage over his rivals.
Shima Stan and South Australian contender Darcy Dakota attempted to close the gap, but Rhodes’ star chaser never wavered, powering home 1¾ lengths ahead of Shima Stan, with Darcy Dakota a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
Ballarat Western Districts Derby Final Race Replay – Short Straw Trev (25.08)
[videopack id=”165902″]https://australianracinggreyhound.com/wpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ballarat-2025-290125-Listed-Western-Districts-Derby-Final-450m-Race-8-Short-Straw-Trev-25.08-Donald-Rhodes.mp4[/videopack]
Having only had one look at Ballarat before the heats, Short Straw Trev improved significantly with that experience, showing his natural talent for the track.
Rhodes, who spoke with GRV before the final, highlighted the greyhound’s early speed as a key asset.
“He has terrific first sectionals, but at this stage, he isn’t finishing off his races,” Rhodes said.
“I am hoping he will find the lead like he has been doing. Even though he hasn’t been finishing the races off as strong as I would like, I would prefer to be out in front in good races.”
The victory adds another feature win to Short Straw Trev’s resume, following his Rising Star Final triumph at Sale in December.
Rhodes has previously credited coursing for helping develop the greyhound’s explosive box speed and did not rule out a possible Waterloo Cup campaign later in the year.
Short Straw Trev now boasts six wins from just 13 starts, with his dominant Derby performance further cementing his status as one of Victoria’s most promising young sprinters.
Western Districts Derby final 2025 Results – Ballarat
2025 Western Districts Derby Final ResultsBallarat 520m Listed $15,000 to-the-winner Wednesday, January 29, 2025
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| 1st |
2 Short Straw Trev
T: Donlad RhodesTime: 25.08Margin:
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| 2nd |
3 Shima Stan
T: Thomas DaillyTime: 25.20Margin: 1.75 Lengths
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| 3rd |
9 Darcy Dakota
T: Kerry StaggTime: 25.24Margin: 2.50 Lengths
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| 4th |
1 Paw Kramer
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| 5th |
6 Giacomo
T: Jeffrey BrittonTime: 25.43Margin: 5.25 Lengths
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6th |
8 Paw Gordy
T: Coreey GrenfellTime: 25.59Margin: 7.75 Lengths
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| 7th |
5 Springer’s Boy
T: Nick LecchinoTime: 25.67Margin: 9.00 Lengths
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| 8th |
7 Paw Rival
T: Samantha GrenfellTime: 25.82Margin: 11.00 Lengths
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