Redwood Day - Sunday

The prestigious $75,000 Harness Racing International Victoria Trotters Derby shapes as an enthralling contest this Sunday afternoon at Maryborough following yesterday’s barrier draw.

With in-form New Zealand raiders Conquer All and Houdini Star both drawing awkwardly on the second line, the stage is now set for a memorable 80^th running of the Group 1 classic.

Houdini Star, a winner at seven of his 10 starts including the Great Northern Derby, remains the pre-post favourite, but has eased to $2.50 after yesterday’s draw with Conquer All at $3.20.

The duo produced vastly contrasting heat wins en route to Sunday’s showdown, with Houdini Star leading all-the-way to salute at Kilmore last Thursday, whilst Conquer All produced a barnstorming last-to-first performance to score at Ballarat on Saturday night.

A maiden upon departing the Shaky Isles last month, Conquer All has taken the Australian trotting scene by storm since crossing the Tasman, winning all three appearances, including the Group 3 The Holmfield, for caretaker trainer-driver Chris Alford.

Alford will be hoping the dynamic sit-sprinter can help him emulate the feats of his late father Barry who trained and drive cult hero Noopy Kiosk to victory in the 1996 Derby.

Those best placed to keep the time honoured trophy in Australia are fellow heat winner No Early Spark (barrier three, $11), recent Vicbred Super Series winner Stretch The Budget (one, $7) and Enjoy A Crownie (nine, $9) who is yet to miss a place in 14 starts this year.

Peter Hornsby, the trainer of No Early Spark, knows just what it takes to win the Derby having done so with his mighty filly Zesta in 2002 at Maryborough.

Amongst the others chasing multiple Derby success are Chris Lang (Right Interest), who won the 2003 edition with Kyvalley Road, and Clinton Welsh (Red Samuari) who took out the title back in 1985 with Tucumcari.

The full line-up for the $75,000 HRI Victoria Trotters Derby (Group 1), to be run at 4.17pm (EST) this Sunday at Maryborough, is;