Racing: Jays Debut gallops in last

Blair Orange

The Great Northern Derby market was thrown into turmoil after Jays Debut lost his unbeaten record in controversial circumstances at Alexandra Park last night.

Last season's juvenile of the year finished last in the Great Northern Stakes after galloping at the 900m mark when improving three wide.

The incident happened when key rival Ambro The Thug moved out of the running line at the same time Jays Debut was improving on his outer, upsetting the inexperienced favourite.

That saw him roll into a gallop and trail the field home in what was a huge result for TAB bookmakers as Jays Debut had been heavily backed straight out and in multi bets.

It also left them with a headache of how to assess Jays Debut's chances in the Great Northern Derby on December 16.

Had he won last night he would have been the favourite for the classic ahead of Pay Me Christian, but bookies are now wondering what to make of the defeat.

Driver Blair Orange said while he didn't expect it to have any long-term effect on Jays Debut it was hardly the ideal start to his northern campaign.

"We could have done without that and it means he didn't really have a race either so it won't help his Derby chances."

The race was won by The Reckoning, courtesy of an excellent drive from Robbie Holmes - who managed to get him off a tricky place on the markers.

From three back on the outside he finished too well for Marvin Royce and Ambro The Thug, who blew out at the 100m mark and looks a Derby improver.

Earlier in the night Our Sunny Whiz confirmed she is the most promising lower grade trotter in the north with a stunning comeback win in the minor trot.

The daughter of Sundon took her record to three wins from four starts by leading throughout, leaving driver Maurice McKendry suitably impressed.

"She is very good. I think she will get to the top," McKendry said.

Our Sunny Whiz now looks set to dominate the intermediate trots at the Auckland Cup carnival.

Her win was the second on end for McKendry, who reined Christian Spirit to win the opening race, therefore guaranteeing him a Derby start.