Mister Devereaux surprises in Victoria Trotters Derby success

The unfancied Mister Devereaux (Majestic Son) showed a sparkling return to form with a narrow but impressive harness racing win in the Group 1 $75,000 Yabby Dam Farms Victoria Trotters Derby at Maryborough on Sunday afternoon.

Driven by Emmett Brosnan Mister Devereaux has always shown ability having previously won two races earlier in the season but from the second row he was not as highly regarded as one of the main prospects but he proved all the doubters wrong with a strong performance.

Howdy Mate who ended up favourite commenced well out wide but had to do some work to get past Munny The Munster who ended up taking a trail behind the leader. The other fancied candidate Kyvalley Ray galloped at the start effectively losing all chance.

Mister Devereaux was able to weave his way through to obtain a one out and one back trail while the Mount Gambier visitor Muscle Valley was right behind him. The Preacher took off around the field when the pace was slow to race outside the leader.

MISTER DEVEREAUX 1 NOV REPLAY

James Herbertson was able to slow the field down running the first two quarters in a leisurely 32.2 and 33.2 seconds but he was still inclined to hang in. However favourite backers were in trouble near the final bend when Mister Devereaux started to issue a challenge with Muscle Valley also staking a claim. Mister Devereaux reached the lead half way down the straight and in a desperate finish only just held off a late challenge from Muscle Valley who dived right on the line. Munny The Munster obtained an inside run to finish on for third.

Once again the race proved to be a testing staying event and those with the trail were able to finish best. Outside the placegetters there were few excuses for the beaten division although the Victoria Oaks winner Ijustcantseeit finished on well for fourth after being bottled up along the rail.

Lola Devereaux the dam of Mister Devereax was by Bacardi Lindy and won three races in her career. She has missed getting in foal over a number of years but she has a yearling colt by King Of The North.

Muscle Valley who’s trained by Matthew Horsnall from Mount Gambier almost pulled off an upset win but there was plenty to like about his performance and similar to Mister Devereaux he should mature into a good four year old next season.

 

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink