Pastor Dunbar impresses at long odds in NSW Trotters Derby

The lightly raced Pastor Dunbar (Pastor Stephen) claimed his biggest harness racing success at just his fifth race start with a stirring win in the Group 1 $75,000 Success Stud New South Wales Trotters Derby at Menangle on Saturday evening.

The race saw the presence of the highly promising Keayang Bazlenka who had won both the APG VicBred and Betavet Breeders Crown at Melton in the latter part of 2025 and was resuming in the Derby.

On the strength of that form Keayang Bazlenka was installed a long odds on favourite. Victorians had six of the eight runners in the field.

PASTOR DUNBAR 9 MAY REPLAY

Local trotter Superior Stride found the early lead while Notanotha Naughty took the trail behind the leader. The other local What The Tooth was three back on the rails while Keayang Bazlenka moved up to race outside the leader although he seemed to be racing keenly.

Munny The Munster had the one out and one back trail while Pastor Dunbar although one out was a clear last. Then at the crucial stage of the event Keayang Bazlenka unexpectedly broke effectively losing all chance. This left Superior Stride trying to hold off Notanotha Naughty but Munny The Munster looked threatening out wide with What The Tooth coming through as well.

In a desperate finish it was Pastor Dunbar with driver Damian Wilson timing his run to perfection coming out off the track to just grab victory ahead of Munny The Munster with What The Tooth a credible third. Pastor Dunbar rated 1.57.6 for the 2300 metre trip. He’s raced by his breeder Kevin McCluskey.

Pastor Dunbar has only been beaten once on his career at Maryborough when inconvenienced and finishing a close second to Chantilly Lass.

Damian Wilson is no stranger to Group 1 success with previous performers Major Moth, Lively Moth and Living On Fire.

Wilson reflected after the event.

He’s done everything we’ve asked of him. His only loss was when he was checked and galloped and lost 40 metres and still run second. When he’s won those races against the lower class horses obviously he’s done it so comfortably. So I thought I’d give him a crack at this.

Me and Laura (Wilson) we both liked him from the start when we first got him. And he seems to have improved, he works at home like a good horse so yes we gave him the opportunity. There are no plans at this stage maybe a little freshen up. He’s not a real big strong horse he needs to put a bit of weight on so we might give him a fortnight off and just poke around.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink