SA Derby Final Review
The BGC SA Derby final saw another outstanding line-up of the best young male chasers in the state compete for the Group 3 feature with the Troy Murray trained Major Major showing his class in winning the $17,500 first prize.
The son of Fernando Bale and Split Image is owned by George Kairouz based in NSW however started his racing career here in SA.
When the lids flew open Exhilarating for Ben Rawlings pounced on the early lead from box 2 running a sizzling 4.33 first split. He was closely followed by Classic McLaren for Tania Foster from box 3, Fly for Trix for Jane McNicholl who moved forward from his wide draw and Coorong Nugget for Cameron Bucher who was railing hard from the inside box. Major Major had begun fairly from box 4 and was tied up in between runners as they raced past the winning post on the first occasion. With some crowding on the first turn for those in behind, Major Major found a touch of trouble however he balanced up and charged after his rivals. Into the back straight and Exhilarating was high rolling in then lead with Coorong Nugget quickly railing through to second with Classic McLaren out wide. Diving to the inside was Major Major who was starting to loom ominously as he raced past Fly For Trix. Off the back straight and the challengers were coming for Exhilarating with first Coorong Nugget who first went to the inside then came to the outside and then Major Major who pushed hard for the rails run which appeared as they turned for home. Major Major sailed through and went on to record a brilliant win in a flying 29.93 with splits of 4.45 and 17.14. He won by 1.50 lengths from Exhilarating who did a good job to hang on for second, a nose ahead of Coorong Nugget.
Major Major now boasts the impressive record of 31 starts for 17 wins and 8 placings and prizemoney past $50,000.
