The training honours went to David and Stacey White posting the Group One winner at the carnival they never expected and Adam Sanderson came up with a brilliant drive but Nathan’s judgement was also justified when Major Hot took the Queenland Derby for the highly successful “Spankem” syndicate of Messrs and Mesdames Kennard,Gibbs, Breckons and Woodham.
The Whites became caretaker trainers of the youngster when his travelling partner,Treacherous Love was withdrawn from the Brisbane features meaning it was unrealistic of Nathan and earlier Brooke to spend time away from Rolleston as the second half of the season looms.
“He can’t buy a gate” Nathan noted in the leadup to the race “but they are pleased with him, it is a longer trip and perhaps not one of the vintage fields for the race so Adam might be able to find a way”
Nathan himself held an opinion of Major Hot from his earliest days and made no secret of what he thought he might do when he realised his potential.He has performed with great credit in Brisbane but with an awful run of barrier draws so the Derby was a just reward.
Adam was patience personified in the race something that could not be said for some of his rivals and his driving won the race. He settled well off the pace an didn’t come into the race until the last 800 and ran down Bey of Biscay who had worked harder in the running.
It had not been decided before the weekend what Major Hot’s plans would be from here but a move to Sydney or Perth had been mooted.Wherever his future lies there is a Group One inscribed next to his name-and he earned it