Boom youngster first-up in Derby

BOOM youngster Keayang Bazlenka adds class and intrigue to Saturday night’s New South Wales Trotters’ Derby at Club Menangle.

Last season’s premier two-year-old, Keayang Bazlenka won six of his seven starts, with his victories including a pair of Group Ones.

Sent for a spell following his Breeders’ Crown triumph on December 13, the Marg and Paddy Lee-trained gelding will contest the Blue Riband first-up from a spell.

“We had him entered in two lead-up races, but the races were deleted,” Paddy explained. “So now he’s going into the Derby first-up.

“He had a really strong trial, where he beat Jilliby Dreamlover, a couple of weeks ago and his work has picked up since.

“He is as fit as he can be without having raced for quite a while.”

Jason Lee will take the reins behind the son of What The Hill, which has drawn barrier two over 2300 metres.

Despite his lack of recent racing, TAB Fixed Odds have listed Keayang Bazlenka as a $1.30 favourite, with Notanotha Naughty considered the main danger at $6.50.

Also a Group One winner for trainer Glenn Hunter, Notanotha Naughty will begin from gate five.

Another son of What The Hill, Notanotha Naughty captured the Bathurst Gold Coronet on March 28 at his second run back from a spell.

Hunter is chasing consecutive Derby wins, having secured last season’s edition with Gatesys Gem, while the Lees took out the 2024 running with freakish filly, Keayang Zahara.