2016 BGC Industrial Cleaning Supplies SA Derby
2016 BGC INDUSTRIAL CLEANING SUPPLIES SA DERBY – REVIEW
The BGC SA Derby final again showcased some of the best young male chasers in the land with a hot field lining up for the Group 3 feature at Angle Park tonight.
After last week’s heats Weekend Binge for Victorian trainer Kel Greenough was sent out the favourite just ahead of fellow Victorian Ultimate Magic trained by recently crowned AGRA Trainer of the Year Anthony Azzopardi. Nothing much separated both quality sprinters in the market and the Derby final panned out the same way with nothing separating them throughout the race however it was Weekend Binge who dug deep in the final stages to claim the major prize.
As the start was affected both Weekend Binge and Ultimate Magic who drew wide of each other exploded out of the boxes to challenge for the lead going into the first turn. Paraphernalia for Victorian trainer Jeff Guy began well from his wide draw while sole South Australian Ruff State for Ken Gill made full use of his inside box to push through hard on the first turn to be just behind the leaders. While this was happening the squeeze was on for the remainder of the field who all found trouble, putting pay to their chances. As they entered the back straight Weekend Binge on the outside and Ultimate Magic on the inside fought out a terrific battle with nothing between them as they raced down the back. Ruff State moved to third and began to make steady ground while Paraphernalia was starting to power home. Off the back straight there was still nothing between the leaders until on the apex of the bend Ultimate Magic used the inside to his advantage to take the clear lead. Weekend Binge dropped in behind and looked to be settling for the minor money while the South Aussie Ruff State swept up on the outside. As heads turned for home Ultimate Magic forged to the front however Weekend Binge raised another effort on the inside and charged through to claim the lead and the SA Derby final in a gutsy performance. He defeated a gallant Ultimate Magic with Ruff State flashing home for third just ahead of Paraphernalia who made it a four way drive to the finish and with a touch of luck could have tipped them all out.
The placegetters all look to be heading towards the Group 1 UBET Adelaide Cup with the heats to be run in two weeks’ time where “Round 2” is likely to continue.
The $25,000 first prize took Weekend Binge’s prizemoney past $50,000 and the impressive record of 15 wins and 4 placings from his 23 lifetime starts.