Racing: Late gallop costs trotter Derby win

The cruel unpredictability of racing hit the connections of Pocaro between the eyes like a sledgehammer at Alexandra Park last night.

The 3-year-old filly was strolling to a comprehensive victory in the $100,000 Breckon Bloodstock Trotting Derby only to roll into a gallop with 40m to run, costing herself group one glory.

While it left her connections shaking their heads, it proved a windfall - accompanied by a high sigh of relief - for most punters as the mistake allowed hot favourite Ima Gold Digger to regain the lead and win.

The incident, while not unheard of in 3-year-old trotting races, was one of the most graphic examples of a horse throwing away a group one classic in a decade.

"That was very hard to cop. I think we need a drink," said co-owner Trevor Casey after the shock.

Pocaro has been troubled by minor problems in the second half of this season and actually galloped across the line when winning the New Zealand Oaks, but she held that win because the second runner also galloped.

The connections of eventual winner Ima Gold Digger realised they were lucky to be gifted the race.

"I have never had that happen before," admitted Ima Gold Digger's driver, Ricky May.

"I have seen the odd horse throw a race away galloping but you don't often see it in a group one."

May said had Ima Gold Digger been beaten it would not have been a true indication of his ability as he did not trot up to his best.

"He was pulling down the back straight and didn't trot half as well as he did last week."

While Ima Gold Digger needed luck to win the Derby, Yankee Dream needed courage to win the $170,000 Sires' Stakes Championship after making the pace.