Hollywood Strip wins New South Wales Derby and stays unbeaten

Unbeaten colt Hollywood Strip (Sweet Lou) scored what was probably his greatest performance when he outstayed the opposition in the $200,000 Group 1 Slingsby Holdings New South Wales Pacers Derby at Menangle on Saturday evening.

The wide draw had punters uneasy at Hollywood Strip’s prospects and as a consequence installed Zeus Lightning a favourite. Showmethetanlines broke up from the pole as the field was dispatched.  And the omens didn’t look when in a brilliant turn of speed Zeus Lightning took up the running while Hollywood Strip who was three wide early was forced to race outside the leader although his driver Brad Hewitt didn’t seem that perturbed.

Soho Trump driven by Luke McCarthy was behind the leader while stable mate Soho Charmer had the one out and one back trail and Fire And Passion was bottled up back in the field.

Zeus Lightning and Hollywood Strip were locked together as they drew clear of the others on the final bend but showing his true star qualities Hollywood Strip drew clear of the field.

It was left to Soho Charmer and outsider Yottie to chase but Hollywood Strip had over five metres to spare over Soho Trump with Yottie running a grand race for third.

HOLLYWOOD STRIP 14 MAR REPLAY

Raced by well known Mick Boots, Hollywood Strip now having won eight straight seems the perfect horse as reflected by Hewitt after the race.

It’s fantastic he’s such a great horse he’s done a great job. He done all the work in the race and was just too good for them. I wanted to spear out of the gate real hard but drawn on the outside he tried to duck outside the barrier arm. I sort of nearly lost him for a stride or two. But once he balanced up I just kept working him forward and I was surprised that I got there as easy as I did.

I thought I would be up there doing a whole lot of work. As we seen in the fillies race earlier they just went mad. But once I got there by the first corner I was really happy with that,  I just had to rate him after that. All the main chances were in the main four and I had to rate him to hold them at bay.

Mick Boots (the owner) was a bit deflated when the draw came out but he’s that way Mick, never one to overplay anything. So its great he doesn’t put any pressure on you what so ever. He’s been a great client and friend for a fair few years now and it was great to win another good race for him.

He’s got a busy season, he’s eligible for Bathurst I think so he might head over there and then he’s got the Nutrien race its only a few weeks later and then he’ll have a bit of a break and freshen up after that and then more than likely head to Queensland for the winter then.

It was a double for Hewitt as earlier on he had taken the fillies classic with Sparkling Sea.

“He’s such a great horse, and he has done a great job.”✨

After Hollywood Strip continued his unbeaten record as he took out the Group 1 Slingsby Holdings NSW Derby, we spoke with trainer and driver Brad Hewitt about their success. @HRNSW_Harness pic.twitter.com/pUxWYs4H66

— Club Menangle (@ClubMenangle) March 14, 2026

For complete Menangle race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink