Shock call; Connections of Australia's best 3yo, Majestic Mach have elected to bypass the Gr.1 Victoria Derby Photo by Ross Stevenson
The Gr.1 $200,000 Alabar Victoria Derby has already lost its greatest drawcard.
In a bizarre move, connections of unbeaten Queensland freak Majestic Mach have decided to bypass the blue riband classic in view of protecting him as a long term Grand Circuit star.
This latest development will be music to the ears of many owners right across the southern hemisphere who circled the feature with their likely prospects.
Victoria Derby heats are scheduled for January 26, with the rich final the following week.
The reigning Australian 2yo of the Year will be restricted to a very light season at three, with a maximum of 10 starts preferred rather than chasing Derby glory along the east coast of Australia starting next month in Melbourne.
“After speaking with Kevin and Kay Seymour (owner/breeders) over the weekend, we’ve decided we will skip the Victorian Derby series and concentrate on other targets this season with a view to the future hopefully. They would prefer to have a Grand Circuit horse rather than a flashy freshman pacer.” Trainer/driver Grant Dixon said.
So, the headline clash between Majestic Mach and Guaranteed has been thwarted.
Well, at least for now.
Harness fans will miss the opportunity of watching the two most exciting pacers in the country going head to head for the first time throughout their careers, but on the flipside, it will allow the fierce rivalry to fester with anticipation as the countdown continues.
The highly decorated Mach Three gelding trialled at the Gold Coast on December 6, winning easily but connections are yet to start their pacing phenomenon this term.
“He remains in full work but now that we’ve made a decision about his future, there’s no point rushing him straight into a race. He won’t be revved up for the entire season now that we will bypass Melbourne.
His first major mission will come via the NSW Derby series which starts on February 23, followed by races like the Breeders Classic, QBRED Sires Stakes and the Queensland Derby in July.
The NSW Derby gives us more time to have him primed for the season ahead and it’s a lot easier getting to Sydney rather than going Melbourne during the summer months. Logistically, it has simplified things for us because now we don’t have to sort out possible flights for the horse; going to Melbourne from Brisbane by road can be a very tough and taxing experience on any horse and that was not an option I was keen to explore wih him.”
The NSW Derby on March 3 at TABCORP Park, Menangle now becomes a potential scene stealer on what is already harness racing’s night of nights.
Six other Gr.1 features on that same program include the Inter Dominion Pacing Grand Final, Ladyship Mile, Chariots Of Fire, NSW Oaks, Bohemia Crystal FFA and the Chambers Trotters Challenge.
“There’s no reason why the Sydney Derby will be any different to the Victoria Derby, we’re racing for the same prizemoney, and all the good colts will be there including the Kiwi’s with the only difference being the track.”
The Sydney Derby will probably be better considering Menangle is regarded as the best track in this part of the world, I’m sure everyone will get their chance on the night.”
And Dixon scoffed at suggestions that he’s running scared with his triple Group One winner.
“That is ridiculous, utter nonsense; it’s a simple case of mapping out a program and sticking to it, horses like this aren’t machines and you can’t race them in everything.
I’m happy to race him against the best and he will get that opportunity, I won’t buy into this talk of rumour and innuendo that we’re hiding from the best horses. His record speaks for itself.” Dixon added.
So, the wait becomes just a little longer.
