Title defence begins in style

REIGNING champion Powderkeg has begun his title defence in style.

Contesting a Vicbred Super Series heat in Maryborough yesterday, Powderkeg registered a soft win for trainer Lisa Miles.

Powderkeg captured last season’s Group One Final when he rated 2:01.4 over 2240 metres to account for Andover Son and Dreamee.

Fresh from his Southern Cross Final success at Globe Derby a fortnight ago, the trotter worked to the lead from barrier five before completing a two-and-a-half metre win from Cracker Jet.

Kyvalley Shaunie was eight metres away third.

“I was very pleased with the way he went,” Miles said. “He felt strong all the way and hit the line well.

“The Final is 10 days away, so I’ll just keep him ticking over as usual and hope he can do just as well when the time comes.”

Rating 2:0.1 over 2190 metres, Powderkeg’s time was two-tenths of a second slower than Cover Of Darkness in the opening heat.

Leading throughout with Jodi Quinlan in the cart, Cover Of Darkness was never fully extended on his way to the three-and-a-half metre win from Is That A Bid, with Scootin Around 14-and-a-half metres away third.

Prepared by premier horsewoman Emma Stewart, Cover Of Darkness extended his perfect record to eight.

Underrated youngster Rules Dont Apply rounded out the qualifiers with his 2:03.5 victory for Anthony Crossland.

“Cover Of Darkness has had the measure of us lately and is the one to beat in the Final,” Miles said.

“Anthony’s has also got a fair bit of talent and can’t be taken lightly.”