The puzzle is coming together for the E L Titan at Haras Des Trotteurs Victoria Trotters Derby Final after two heats were run on Sunday at Maryborough.
Superstar filly Keayang Zahara led all the way in blistering mile rate of 1.59.3, which was only 0.4 seconds off the track record held by Cravache Dor.
The Andy Gath-trained filly Pinnie took out the second heat, flashing up the sprint lane in a mile rate of 2.03.8.
“Obviously she had the run of the race, and she got the job done,” Gath said.
“She’s a quality horse, Pinnie. As we know, there’s a couple probably better than her, but she’s competitive every time she steps out on the racetrack.
“Most people are going into the Derby expecting to run second (to Keayang Zahara), and most people probably agree she’s the best trotting filly they’ve seen in their lifetime.
“But she’s fronting up five weeks in-a-row, so as good as she is, there’s a little question mark on her. She had a tough run, and she needs to front up again.
“Admittedly, the race lacks a fair bit of depth on previous years and there’s no New Zealanders that have come over. The fillies have proven they’re a bit better than the colts anyway, so I don’t think that’s a too big of a factor.
“I think anyone who qualifies for the race are happy to be in it. Someone needs to run second, but stranger things have happened. You never know!”
The heats were dominated by fillies with Violet Stanford, Jilliby Ballerini and All That Remains also qualifying for the final.
The barrier draw for Sunday’s Group 1 showdown will be conducted on Tuesday afternoon.
VICTORIA TROTTERS DERBY
FINAL QUALIFIERS
ALL THAT REMAINS
ARGYLE ROCKS
HOPPY NZ
JILLIBY BALLERINI
KEAYANG ZAHARA
KYVALLEY MICHAEL NZ
LOCKSLEY CAVALIER
MISTER BLINDSIDE
PINNIE
REMUS PHOENIX
VALTINO
VIOLET STANFORD
BILLY ZIPPIN (1st Em)
