Martini Can Deliver Hall Jnr A Super Sixth Derby
Hall of Fame driver Gary Hall Jnr is confident the Justin Prentice-trained Major Martini has what it takes to deliver him a sixth Sky Racing-WA Derby (2536m) at Gloucester Park tonight.
It has been a near faultless lead up to the $200,000 event for Major Martini, who has taken out the Group 2 APG 3YO Colts and Geldings Sales Classic and Group 2 Western Gateway at his most recent two starts.
The Art Major gelding will have a tricky task to overcome barrier 11, but Hall Jnr said he wasn’t concerned with the second row draw.
“I was pretty happy with getting barrier 11 and I’m pretty sure Justin was too,” he told TABradio.
“I thought the start would be interesting.
“Straight away everyone just expects Howard Hughes to get an easy lead but sometimes in these races it doesn’t always pan out that way.
“Any early speed injected into the race is going to be beneficial to our chances.
“I think Major Martini is the sort of horse he will most probably break 55 even if they run a slow time up front, which will still see him be pretty dangerous if he can land close to them.”
Major Martini is a $2.15 favourite with TABtouch for the Group 1.
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Howard Hughes ($2.50) is considered the biggest threat to Major Martini, having drawn barrier one earlier in the week.
Franco Ecuador ($4.60) and Patronus Star (7.50) are the other runners in single figures.
Hall Jnr has built an imposing record in the WA Derby over recent years with wins behind Alta Christiano (2013,) Beaudiene Boaz (2015), Chicago Bull (2016), King Of Swing (2018) and Major Trojan (2019).
Hall Jnr said Major Martini was more than capable of joining that group of pacers.
“As far as horses coming through the ranks, he’s as impressive as any of them,” he said.
“He probably proved that last start when he led, copped a bit of pressure and was able to put away a good field.
“I think that surprised Justin the way he was able to win by that sort of margin.
“He’s got all the right attributes to make it to top grade.”
The WA Derby gets underway at 7.55 this evening.
Tim Walker
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