Star gelding Derek the Jet Volstead maintained his unbeaten record with a stirring all the way win in the Aldebaran Park Need for Speed Prince Heat for 3YO colts and geldings.
The gelding prepared by Nathan Jack at Lemnos in the Goulburn Valley seemed unfazed with a delay that resulted in the mobile being replaced.
Despite being a prohibitive odds-on favourite there was no certainty that Derek the Jet would get his own way as it was expected that Thunda Struck would challenge for the early lead. But the favourite had too much speed and once in front he was never in any real danger.
Jack was more than pleased with Derek The Jet’s effort.
“He went into the race underdone. He did it easy. We might close the Murphy Blind up next time he races.”
Derek the Jet will be a short priced favourite for next week’s $50,000 Aldebaran Park Need for Speed Final at Melton. Then he will be set for the $75,000 Victoria Trotters Derby at Maryborough on 27 October.
Jack confirmed this would be his last appearance this year.
“After the Derby he’ll be shut down and have a spell. He’s come a long way. We will go to Queensland next year.” (for the big three- and four-year-old trotting events mid-year)
At this stage Derek The Jet looks the hardest to beat in this year’s Derby. He’s such an easy striding horse that even the testing 2690 metre journey should hold no fears.
Apart from the winner the run of second placegetter Kyvalley Michael was full of merit. He was back at the rear of the field early but started to make up good ground in the back straight for the last time. Although he didn’t look like threatening Derek the Jet there was a lot to like about the way he battled on for second placing.
