Favourites all successful in New South Wales Derby Heats

For the first time ever, the New South Derby heats were ran over the mile and three competitive heats were staged at Menangle on Saturday evening.

As expected hot favourite  Showmethetanlines (Downbytheseaside) started proceedings as assumed when he led all the way to take out the First heat. Starting from barrier three Showmethetanlines was revved up by Cameron Hart to take over from Im No Trouble.

SHOWMETHETANLINES 7 MAR REPLAY

Second favourite Soho Trump was drawn wide but rather go hard early his driver Michael Stanley settled him back in the field. Once in front Showmethetanlines was able to run a leisurely second quarter in 29.7 seconds. Rewatch who had raced outside the leader started to tire. Nocturnal battled on well but shaken up Showmethetanlines simply found more space to clear away from the former while Soho Trump was doing his best work at the finish to come in third and qualify for next week’s final.

Showmethetanlines started his career at this meeting last year when he impressively won the Sapling Stakes. Lightly raced he’s now in the Jason Grimson stable and will be a worthy representative for next week’s $200,000 Final.

The second heat saw the Queenslander Fire And Passion as favourite due to his favourable pole position. And when Grant Dixon was able to hold the lead it looked a matter of how far. But Soho Charmer (Soho Tribeca) who had started from out barrier 7 and had eased back early by driver Michael Stanley made a forward run from the rear to move alongside Fire And Passion.

SOHO CHARMER 7 MAR REPLAY

Dixon shook Fire And Passion up at the top of the home straight but Soho Charmer who had the harder run refused to give in and in a driving finish edged out Fire And Passion by a short half head with the promising Yottie battling on for third.

Although Soho Charmer ran a slower time than the first heat what was particularly impressive was his final quarter of 26 seconds.

The win was special Stanley as he trained both Soho Charmer’s sire Soho Tribeca and his dame Soho Angel. The win completed a double for Stanley as his ten year old veteran Kingmaker (Mach Three) ran 1.49.6 winning the opening event.

The much anticipated presence of Zeus Lightning (Bettors Delight) in the Third Heat ensured that he would start the favoured elect. And he did not fail his supporters when he strolled along in the lead. Queenslander Move It Lou fired out of the gate but his driver wisely allowed him to take the trail.

Alert Bay was three back on the rails while Soho Park Avenue from his wide barrier had no option but to ease back to the rear. Zeus Lightning looked particularly impressive running his last quarter in 26.5 seconds as he eased away to score comfortably by just under seven metres from Alert Bay with Soho Park Avenue doing his best work in third.

ZEUS LIGHTNING 7 MAR REPLAY

Zeus Lightning ran the fastest time of the heats returning 1.50.7 over the mile.

Soho Park Avenue’s placing gives Michael Stanley three runners in the Final. However Jason Grimson will have a strong hand with both Showmethetanlines and Zeus Lightning. Cameron Hart will have a hard choice as to who he will drive as both his winners looked to have plenty in reserve.

Hollywood Strip who has been given automatic entry into next week’s Derby Final will appreciate having had a vital week’s break. Trainer Brad Hewitt is sure to have him in peak condition and if he draws favourably on the inside he still looks the one to beat.

However given that Zeus Lightning continues to improve he looms as the main danger to Hollywood Strip.

For complete Menangle race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink