Gardoll: First Turn Crucial In Qld Derby Tussle

VETERAN dog man, Reg Gardoll, believes his classy youngster Starline Express must head Hara's Herbie to the first turn to win Thursday night's Group 2 Qld Derby final (520m) at Albion Park.

Starline Express (Fernando Bale-Spooky Sensation) comes out of the six in the final and goes into the race off four wins from his past five starts.

One of those was the final of the Brett Memorial Maiden and another was a slick 29.95 on debut at Wentworth Park.

“He's a chance,” said Reg of Starline Express' Derby hopes.

“There are no superstars in the Derby final, but it is a very hard race to win and a top class field.”

Gardoll says Starline Express has pulled up well after winning his heat of the Derby in 29.94 leading throughout and also off the six box.

“He's a tough little dog who is very good but at the moment he lacks a bit of stamina at the finish,” said Reg.

“But, he's also just 22 months and the youngest dog in the final.

Group 2 Sennachie @ Stud QLD Derby Heat 1 520m

1st: Starline Express (6) – 29.94
2nd: Rapid Ripple ( 8 )
3rd: Canya Burn (4)#QLDisRacing @RaceQLD @tabcomaumedia @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @MMcInallyPhotos pic.twitter.com/zQkCSnLkg5

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) December 29, 2022

“He's taking on some very seasoned dogs like Hara's Herbie and the Sydney dog Simply Limelight.”

The latter has finished second in the G1 National Sprint, third in the G3 Bob Payne Sprint and been a finalist at G3 level in the Magic Maiden and Xmas Gift.

With De Ferran, not normally a brilliant box dog, drawn on his outside, Starline Express has the chance to get a clear run to the first turn.

“I'm hoping he just pulls up well and we will press on to Sydney with him,” said Reg.

The G1 National Derby series is the obvious plan.

Jemma Daley's classy Hara's Herbie (Sennachie-Hara's Annie) is likely to start favourite for the final after drawing the coveted rails.

He is compiling an impressive career record.

He won the G2 Ipswich Gold Cup late last year and that followed a third in the G3 Vince Curry Maiden, and finalist spots in the G3 Townsville Cup, Qld Flame, Silver Dollars and Ipswich Derby.