2014 Group Two Queensland Derby Heats Reviewed
A handy field has been assembled for the final of the Group Two Queensland Derby next Thursday night. Keybow and Size Does Matter set the track alight in the heats with fast runs under 29.70.
Heat One – Group Two Queensland Derby
Late Angel Lee (3) dominated the betting with support for Peter's Pick (2) coming late, and it was the latter of the two that wound up victorious in 30.18. At box-rise the best away was Murtaugh (1) while short-courser Mr Elegant (8) also showed early speed to move into second early.
Peter's Pick was only average away and had to drive up along the rail through the turn to stay in touch with Murtaugh. He pushed underneath Murtaugh down the back to take the lead. However, the race wasn't over at this stage as noted strong finisher Zipping Brock (7) was right on Peter Pick's hammer. Peter's Pick elected to move to the middle of the track turning for home and Zipping Brock was able to take the lead momentarily. Peter's Pick kicked again and emerged the winner by a neck. Late Angel Lee (3) finished strongly to be a length away in third.
Peter's Pick is trained by Tom Noble and is by Made To Size – Tina's Show (Late Late Show – Berella Batina). He has now won 10 races.
Heat Two – Group Two Queensland Derby
Flash Reality (2) secured his second career win in the second heat, finishing too strongly for race leader Grand Roman (1). The early stages of the race were no place for the faint-hearted with Give You Credit (3) falling as the field charged into the first turn.
Flash Reality (2) shifted off on the first turn but once he got where he wanted to be he was happy and took off after Grand Roman. Clash Of Kings (6) showed early speed but couldn't get a clear run and finished fourth. Darren McDonald's Where's The Surf (7) could only manage fifth after a poor getaway. Winged Elite (5), who was near last approaching the first turn, showed some good field sense to finish third.
Flash Reality, trained by Tony Brett recorded 30.14 for his first Albion Park win. He is by Premier Fantasy – Orara Flash (Bond – Sweet Elite).
Heat Three – Group Two Queensland Derby
The slowest of the three heats was taken out by the fast finishing Angvella (7) in 30.56. Favourite Fusaichi Kahn (4) blew his chances at the start when he was last away. From there he could not make an impact. Chant (6) looked handy going around the turn but a check put paid to his chances. Wazz's Fantasy (2) was full of running early and pinched a five length break down the back. However, he was running out of gas up the home straight allowing Angvella to pinch the win. Thunder Of Speed (3) also challenged late to fill the last of the minor placings.
Angvella has now won five races and is trained by Christina Harman. He is by Just The Best – Joy Esme (Fortified Rush – Marine Queen).
Heat Four – Group Two Queensland Derby
Size Does Matter (3) for Reg Kay gave nothing else a chance when he flew the lids and led easily to romp away for a quick 29.69 win. The real race was going on behind him for the placings with Tejay's Hand (8) just staving off the challenge by Are Ate (5). Battistuzzi (6) was expected to perform well but unfortunately ran unplaced for the third week in a row after bombing the start.
Size Does Matter has now won five races. He is by Bekim Bale – Size It Up (Elite State – Size ‘Em Up).
Heat Five – Group Two Queensland Derby
Keybow (2) saved the best for last to record the fastest of the five heats, scorching away by nine and a quarter lengths in 29.67. The Darren McDonald trained chaser took the early lead and was never troubled and will be the likely favourite for the final next week. Farmer's Gold (4) found some space in the home straight to run on for second, while Trav's Fantasy (1), who was second for the better part of the race, held on for third.
Keybow is by Take The Kitty – Key Exit (Over Flo – Atlanta Belle) and has now won 12 from 24.
The box draw for the final is:
1. Zipping Brock – Peter Dapiran
2. Keybow – Darren McDonald
3. Peter's Pick – Thomas Noble
4. Grand Roman – John Conlon
5. Flash Reality – Tony Brett
6. Tejay's Grand – Travis Elson
7. Angvella – Christina Harman
8. Size Does Matter – Reg Kay
First Reserve – Farmer's Gold – Darren Russell
Second Reserve – Wazz's Fantasy – William Elson