Victorian harness racing horseman Craig Demmler has returned to Queensland.
It’s been some time since he last ventured to the sunshine state, in fact, when quizzed about his most recent visit north the astute trainer wasn’t entirely sure.
“I’m guessing it’s been awhile, probably back with Breenys Fella during the 2001 Inter Dominion series.” Demmler quipped.
The Demmler name is no stranger to success in Brisbane, Craig’s father Ted was a regular visitor during his halcyon days.
In fact, many would recall the stirring 1991 Queensland Derby battle between the Demmler stablemates Bowral Boy and Impressionist who hit the line together while their rivals with a minute behind.
Almost a quarter of century later, the Demmler name is back in Brisbane with an exciting three-year-old chasing Derby success.
On Saturday night, My Kiwi Mate starts in the Gr.1 $100,000 Nursery Flying Stakes, a lead-up to the Queensland Derby scheduled for July 18.
“He’s a high quality pacer that we paid good money for and the Queensland winter carnival has been on the radar for him since we purchased him earlier this season."
"This carnival offers great prizemoney and great options so we’re happy to be here,” Demmler said.
“The horse arrived on Wednesday and he’s settled in really well, we’ve got him based with Chris Petroff at Redcliffe and he’s eating and drinking very well."
"I couldn’t be happier with the way he's adapted to new surroundings."
“In the short time he’s been in our care he’s matched and beat some very good horses including the likes of Menin Gate (Victoria Derby winner) and others."
"We’re here to tackle this race on Saturday night plus the Gold Coast and Queensland Derby’s.”
The Bettors Delight gelding must overcome a second-line draw in the 1660m sprint feature while many of his main dangers have drawn favourably off the front.
My Kiwi Mate starts from gate 10.
“We’re reliant of a genuine speed being set in this race and there’s every chance that will occur, normally in the sprint features they go very hard which will suit us down to the ground."
“He follows speed very well, that’s his best weapon and he’ll show that given the right conditions."
"He’s going to the spelling straight after this campaign so we’ll leave nothing in reserve with him.”
Star horseperson Jodi Quinlan takes the drive on Saturday night.
Chris Barsby