B Envious sets sights on Derby showdown with Jumal

Neita Balle knew she had a good horse in B Envious.

Now she’s about to find out how good.

The Always B Miki three-year-old strolled to an eight length win at Alexandra Park last night and that’s convinced his connections to have a go at taking on Jumal and co in the $300,000 Group 1 New Zealand Pacing Derby at Addington on November 20.

“He’s booked for a flight on Tuesday,” says Neita Balle, who trains in partnership with her father Derek at Pukekohe, “we think after that win he should get a start.”

“Derek will head down with the horse and I’ll be there the week of the race .. it’s very exciting.”

Last night B Envious, driven by Zachary Butcher, cruised to the lead  in the 100% Home – Albany Extreme Appliances Mobile Pace before clearing out easily for his fourth win in just nine career starts.

“Zach said he had a few more gears left too – he didn’t pull the hood so it’s scary how much quicker he could have gone,” says Balle.

The win completed a treble of sorts for owner/breeder Kenny Baynes after Muchacho, trained by Balle’s partner Zev Meredith, took out the JP and Associates Chartered Accounts Mobile Pace earlier in the night and Bettor Be Special’s win at Cambridge on Thursday.

B ENVIOUS REPLAY

As for B Envious he won’t have another race before the Derby though he will go to the trials.

For Balle it’s a big moment.

“I’ve only been in partnership with Dad for the last season or so and to have a horse this nice is special.”

Currently the TAB has Jumal at just $1.14 to win the Derby after an outstanding season where he has not only won eight of nine starts but done so in explosive fashion.

B Envious is currently at $31.

Balle is realistic about the challenge that lies ahead.

“We’re not saying we’ll beat Jumal but if we could finish top four we’d be stoked.”

 

For complete race results, click here.

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness News Desk