A stunning track record Derby domination from Speeding Spur capped a perfect day for New Zealand trotters in Victoria yesterday.
The professional young trotter blitzed his A$75,000 Victoria Derby rivals after a shock start to the race in which he started from the outside of the second line but wasin front after 300m.
That was planned by young driver Josh Dickie after scratchings yesterday meant Speeding Spur had no rivals in front of him even from the second line in the 2690m mobile.
While his brilliant beginning may have paved the way for victory, Speeding Spur still earned it the hard way as he was attacked so strongly in the middle stages he trotted a 2:0.7 mile rate for the staying trip, comparable with the New Zealand all-aged record for the almost identical 2700m.
It was Speeding Spur's third Derby of his season, which has been extended a month as the Australian harness racing season doesn't end until August 31.
He will now be a hot favourite for his division of the Breeders Crown at Melton on August 30.
Also favoured there will be Kiwi-trained 2-year-old trotter High Gait after she led throughout to win the A$50,000 Redwood Classic.
Having her first standing start, High Gait cruised to the lead and held out her Harness Jewels conqueror Missandei, with Conon Bridge a solid fourth. Trained by Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen, High Gait is raced by breeders Breckon Farms and has now won six of her seven starts.
All four New Zealand-trained trotters from yesterday will head to the Breeders Crown where they will join a dream team including The Orange Agent, Waikiki Beach, Follow The Stars and Dream About Me.
