Leading the local resistance

PROMISING youngster Delightful Dream has emerged as the key contender in the resistance against interstate raiders ahead of the South Australia Derby.

Scheduled to be conducted at Globe Derby on October 24, the classic has been dominated by border-crossers for the past three decades.

In fact, disregarding the 2022 edition, 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.

The reason the aforementioned version – won by Jawsoflincoln – doesn’t count, is 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.

Heats of the time-honoured feature are part of a stellar meeting at Globe Derby on Saturday night, with Delightful Dream among the leading local contenders.

A last start winner for popular horsewoman Samantha Hill, Delightful Dream has built a respectable record of four wins and three placings from 10 outings.

To be driven by Hill, the son of Bettors Delight has drawn barrier six in the opening heat, which will be contested over 2230 metres.

“The draw is not ideal and certainly makes it tough,” Hill said. “He prefers to be driven tough, so that’s how I’d like to drive him if I can from there.

“I’m rapt with him and couldn’t have him feeling any better going into this, so hopefully he can progress into the Final, where he has the chance to draw better.

“I think the second heat is stronger, so that does help us a little in our bid to get into the Final.”