Kiwi trainer-driver Dylan Ferguson isn’t kidding himself about what he has to see from stable star Lovemeto at Maryborough on Sunday.
Lovemeto contests by far the weaker of two Victoria Trotters Derby heats and has drawn perfectly at barrier three for the mobile 2690m.
“If he doesn’t win this Sunday realistically he can’t win the Derby the following week,” says Ferguson.
Ferguson trains Lovemeto for partner Graeme Rogerson and he was a brave second to former age-group star Utopia on his Australian debut at Melton last week.
“We were beaten by a former good age-group horse and I reckon our fella trotted his last mile in 1:56.5. You can’t expect to go much better fresh-up,” says Ferguson.
“We have definitely improved with that and we know what a good stayer he is, so I’d like to see him in front and rolling on Sunday.”
Ferguson should get his wish as other Derby favourites The Locomotive, London To A Brick, Oaks winner Shes Ruby Roo and visiting Queensland trotter Not As Promised are all in Sunday’s second heat.
“So we really get our chance to get him the right type of run and win,” Ferguson said.
The Derby final will be on Sunday week and Ferguson toyed with the idea of also nominating Vic Oaks fourth placegetter Shez Bella for the Derby, but found what he thinks is a better option.
“Realistically she couldn’t beat our other horse or maybe the two other favourites in the Derby, so she will wait for the fillies’ race on Derby Day,” he said.
After the Derby meeting next weekend, the two Rogerson/Ferguson horses will return home to New Zealand as they are not eligible for the Breeders Crown.
Picture: NZB Standardbred
TUNE IN at MARYBOROUGH on Sunday
First Race: 1.04pm Last Race: 5.49pm
Racecaller: Lachlan McIntosh.
TrotsVision: WATCH LIVE
SEN Track: LISTEN LIVE
RSN 927: LISTEN LIVE
Winner of the Week
SWEET BELLA, by Sweet Lou out of Illawong Bella, a winner of the Victoria Oaks at Melton on October 14.
Breed your next winner with Woodlands Stud, supporter of Trots Centre
