VICTORIAN trainer John McArdle declared Tasmania a buyers paradise for yearlings after his Tassie-bred three-year-old Methuselah scored a brilliant all-the-way win in the $100,000 Schweppes Tasmanian Derby over 2200 in Hobart today.
It was the realisation of a long-term plan when Methuselah emerged triumphant in the Listed race over 2200 metres at Tattersall’s Park.
Methuselah (Savoire Vivre-Dazzling Vintage) found the front from a wide draw soon after the start and with jockey Jarrod Todd in the saddle the gelded son of Savoire Vivre set a modest tempo with Colonial Gold just off in second spot but applying no pressure to the leader.
The well-backed favourite Barysh Quest was buried in the pack on the rails with rider Craig Newitt obviously frustrated by the lack of pace an unable to make a move to up the tempo and make it a true staying test.
When Todd decided to make his move and release the brakes Methuselah sped clear rounding the home turn and the gelding had no trouble staving off his rivals in the run to the line.
Methuselah had about three lengths to spare on the Gary White-trained stablemates Barysh Quest and Colonial Gold that fought on courageously in the home straight.
McArdle said he targeted the Tasmanian Derby with Methuselah about two months ago and reaffirmed his desire to continue to support the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.
While Methuselah was a brilliant winner the minor placegetters more than proved their worth as potential top class stayers of the future.
McArdle purchased Methuselah at the 2010 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $30,000 and last season predicted the gelding would “make a serious stayer”.
The gelding was bred in Tasmania by the late Bert Wicks and was presented on his behalf at the sale by Armidale Stud.
Listen to what trainer John McArdle had to say about Methuselah’s Tasmanian Derby win – click here .