Record Holder Under The Odds For Mandurah Derby

LEADING WA trainer Dave Hobby has declared his track record breaking Mandurah Derby favourite Zack Monelli under the odds for Friday night's $20,000 to-the-winner final.

And despite boasting half the field for the star-studded 490 metre finale, Hobby is reticent about his prospects of taking home the aged classic after his quartet of runners fared less than ideally at Tuesday's box draw. 

"I've been having no luck with box draws lately and that's continued Friday night in the Derby," lamented Hobby.

"Zack Monelli is going to need an awful lot of luck from box four; he's under the odds if you ask me … he'll need a lot to go his way early on."

Zack Monelli thundered into Friday night's Mandurah Derby final with a captivating heat victory last Friday in a sublime 27.02, shaving a length off West On Augie's previous 27.08 track record.

MANDURAH FIELDS AND FORM

It was a performance that surprised few, including Hobby.

"The best I'd had one go there in a race before Zack was 27.14 … but don't ask me which dog it was!" Hobby said.

"But I trialled Monaro Monelli there one morning when he was racing and he broke the 27 … he went 26.95 from memory. On trial morning."  

Zack Monelli's ascension to the top of the WA sprinting ranks since debuting last November has been a thrilling watch.

Winner at 11 of his 22 appearances, including a powerhouse second to Simon Told Helen in last month's Group 1 Perth Cup at Cannington, the son of Barcia Bale goes into Friday night's feature as the firm $2.80 favourite with Sportsbetting.com.au.

But it's a quote Hobby said he'd be avoiding like the plague.

"I don't bet but if I did that'd be too short for me," Hobby said.

"One out he'd have all their measure and when he got to the front last week I thought he could break the record.

"He's the fastest dog I've broken in and has enormous ability. But he can be a bit sluggish early and off the bend start on Friday he'll need a miracle early. I reckon his best chance will be if he misses it and falls to the fence and gets a run that way up the back."

With the WA sprinting ranks once again stacked with quality juveniles, it took outstanding performances in last week's Derby heats to book a spot in Friday night's final.

The Hobby-trained Withers Monelli made it five wins on the trot to land his heat in 27.21 from Perth Cup placegetter Buster The Brute, while the Chris Halse-trained Fernando Star ran a rattling 27.18 to claim his qualifier, continuing the outstanding start to his blossoming career.

Rounding out Hobby's Derby chances are Steve Monelli (box five) and Redcap Monelli (box eight), the latter finishing an eye-catching second to Zack Monelli in last week's track record romp.

"Redcap (Monelli) is desperate for the fence, he's every bit as quick as Zack (Monelli) but I don't give him much hope from out there (in eight)," Hobby said.

"He'll just go looking for the fence. Withers Monelli is going good and he's got the best draw of mine. Steve Monelli is an outsider but I give him as good a chance as any of my four. It's a race where the first few strides will decide things."

Betting for Friday night's Derby gives an insight into its competitive nature.

While Zack Monelli is holding favouritism at $2.80, Fernando Star is second elect at $3.60 with Withers Monelli on the third line at $3.90.

The other key runner in betting with Sportsbetting.com.au is the Krystal Shinners-trained Buster The Brute.

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The son of Collision is quoted a $5.50 chance when he exits box one for his third feature final in succession, having finished third in the Perth Cup before landing the Listed Lew Dorsa Memorial at Cannington.

"It's a very open race but the box draw has made it hard for my four," Hobby added.

"They had their last bit of work today (Wednesday) and have all pulled up good.

"We're just after some luck now."