Best chance to break interstate stranglehold

LOCALS have impressive form, weight of numbers and favourable barrier draws, but will that be enough to break the interstate stranglehold on the South Australia Derby?

The classic has been dominated by border-crossers for the past three decades to the point only one South Australian-trained pacer has won the state’s Derby this century!

Successful in 2011, Glengowan is the only local winner of the Derby since No Frolicking in 1996.

That statistic disregards the 2022 edition – won by Jawsoflincoln – as it was restricted to SA three-year-olds only.

With Harness Racing SA re-opening the Blue Riband to all comers again in 2023, Victorians have won each running.

A quick perusal over the field for Saturday night’s Derby suggests locals are in their best position to repel the raiders in a very long time.

Winner of his heat at Globe Derby last weekend, Steam Machine has a prime opportunity to repeat the performance after drawing to lead from barrier one.

The David Drury-trained gelding led throughout to capture his qualifier by five metres.

By Captain Crunch, Steam Machine is from former top filly Steam Washed, which captured the Group One South Australia Oaks at Globe Derby in 2012.

“He has come through his run in great shape and I have been very happy with him this week,” Drury said. “He got a good run in front and was able to make the most of it, which was great.

“I’m very happy with his draw in the Final and hope we can make the most of it again.”

Runner-up behind Steam Machine, Seaside Show has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier two for trainer Ross Collins.

Grumpypants Gracie, Lucky Bambino and Lochinvar Leader round out the locals along the front line in barriers five, six and seven.

B T Captive will join a pair of interstate raiders on the back row from gate 11.

Victorian colt Luvtobeuptome, which secured the other heats, not only heads the interstate challenge, but is a $2.20 favourite from barrier four for trainer Courtney Slater.