THE Office National Tasmanian Derby might boast only a field of five at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart tonight but it still promises to be a brilliant spectacle.
The Rod Ashwood-trained Mojo Major has drawn the pole position (1) which should ensure he starts the warm favourite as he could not have been more impressive in winning at his only two starts in Tasmania o0f which the latest was last Su9nday night over 2090 metres.
Mojo Major was in the care of Dean Braun while racing in Victoria and he was very competitive in good races leading up to his Tasmanian campaign with his main target the Tasmanian Derby (Race 6).
Last week he showed blistering early speed to lead from a wide front-row draw and was untroubled to win.
After the race Ashwood said he would love the colt to draw the pile position in the derby so his wish has been realised.
Mister Lennox, from the Juanita McKenzie stable, has won six of his past seven and his first-up win last Sunday night also was impressive, although his trainer was far from impressed suggesting he would have to improve a few lengths to be competitive with others in the race.
Four Ex Dan also won last Sunday night in ka 3C0, 3C1 C0 combined event over 2090m after which his trainer-driver Rohan Hillier said the Derby would be a very suitable race because the gelding is “tough and is a natural stayer”.
No Spring secrets has good form this time in with wins at two of his past three starts and there already has been backing for the Steve Lukac-trained three-year-old gelding.
The two other features on the nine-race card are the Light Harness Association of Tasmania Cup final (Race 5) and the Governor’s Cup (Race 7).