The Sonia Martin-trained Rory Mac proved he is back better than ever with a narrow but impressive win in the Tasmanian Country Derby at Devonport today.
Rory Mac ($3.80) was one of the state’s most exciting young pups but when he lost his way last year Martin opted to give him a spell and he has just started to return to the form he showed as a young dog.
He won is Derby heat from box three leading all the way but from box seven and with slick beginners on his inside punters were prepared to risk him yesterday.
But when he flew the lids and landed in front and chasing the lure hard the end result was almost a foregone conclusion, although the favourite Elite Enfield ($2.60) tried valiantly to haul him in but failed by a head with Half Century ($14) over three lengths away third.
“When he turned two we gave him a beak and he has only just started to regain his form of old,” Martin said.
Today he scampered over the 452-metre trip in a slick 25.48 seconds which was outstanding given the track conditions that had turned to heavy by the time the Derby was run.
There is no doubt Rory Mac is a different chaser when he is able to lead but whole he is in such great form there are many more wins in store for the son of Spring Gun.