The Whites enjoy maiden Group One success

David and Stacey White chalked up their first Group 1 harness racing success when Major Hot (Art Major) took out the $150,000 Queensland Derby at Albion Park.

The drive from Adam Sanderson was a gem.

Sanderson and Major Hot managed to evade trouble when Kingman galloped mid race while sitting parked before latching onto a three wide trail in the back straight.

Sanderson momentarily dropped in behind the leaders around the home turn before pulling out to challenge the $2.20 favorite Bay Of Biscay in the home stretch in a two horse war.

Major Hot ($13) drove hard at the line to get up and score by a neck from Bay Of Biscay with 25 metres to the third horse in a mile rate of 1:55.4. for the 2680 metres.

Sanderson said he managed to avoid any mid race trouble when Kingman galloped.

“There was a lot going on mid race and we had to avoid a bit but after that I couldn’t believe the run he got, he had his chance at the top of straight and luckily he was good enough to take it,” Sanderson said.

MAJOR HOT REPLAY

Sanderson said he made a split second decision to grab a ‘breather’ around the home turn.

“It was one of those decisions where you have to back your own confidence and all credit to the horse and he was good enough to capitalize,” he said.

Sanderson had previously been placed on Major Hot in the South East and Redcliffe Derbies.

“It’s been a whirlwind few weeks and I didn’t know if I was still going to drive him and for David and Stacey to stick solid with me it’s really good,” he said.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink