Major Hot emerged from defeat as a major factor in the upcoming three year old Queensland features when second to Ellis Street in the Redcliffe Derby on Saturday night and with luck in the running would probably have won.
“The way he came home the last quarter Adam (Sanderson) rated him a certainty beaten and thats how it looked from here He will press on to the South East Derby in two weeks and I’m looking forward to how he shapes up there” Nathan said.
The gate was a blessing and a curse in the race as inside gates can be. Dele Row,who drew the ace, flew the gate as was expected giving Major Hot who had the inside second line possie the trail. Dele Row’s driver Chantal Turpin fought off early challenges before letting a determined Ellis Street strike to the front in the mid stages putting the Purdon hope three back. He was unable to work clear until well into the run home and was running down Ellis Street with every stride over the closing stages.
Ironically enough the winner is by Ohoka Punter-the horse who gave Nathan his first Group 1 triumph as a trainer and driver winning the Blacks A Fake in Queensland in 2016. He had been a superstar three year old in a vintage crop in New Zealand and was sent over to Nathan,then based in Victoria, for the free for all opportunities there. He had suffered tendon injuries that blighted his career including sidelining him for most of his four year old season. Ohoka Punter later went on to Gary Hall in Perth before Kevin and Katie Seymour,principals of Egmont Park bought him from Christchurch breeder and co-owner,Katie Carville.
Ellis Street is about his best performed son so far but Ohoka Punter is the leading three year old sire in Queensland where he stands alongside Colt Forty Five and Mr Feelgood famous names in Queensland pacing, Mr Feelgood being exceptionally good in three countries.The Seymours are great believers in giving local stars their chance at stud and Ohoka Punter is available with frozen semen to NZ breeders as well.
But if Nathan is hopeful Major Hot can turn the tables on Ellis Street next time they meet he is not as hopeful the filly Treacherous Love can hold up in upcoming Oaks races.She disappointed on Saturday though Nathan had reservations leading into the race.
“It didn’t help she got into a bit of trouble early.She is not good enough to be able to come from last and beat them at that level”
Its possible Treacherous Love could be given another chance at that level or she may be aimed at soemthing easier depending on her progress.
PIC; A momentous evening.Ohoka Punter after his 2016 Blacks a Fake win traiend and driven by Nathan.One of that star’s sons held out Major Hot in the Redcliffe Derby