Leading Victorian harness racing trainer Emma Stewart claimed consecutive New South Wales Derby victories thanks to Ideal For Real’s gutsy performance at Tabcorp Park Menangle just moments ago.
Outstaying his rivals with master reinsman Gavin Lang in the sulky, Ideal For Real follows on from Major Secret’s success last season.
Naturally thrilled with the performance, Stewart will give the son of American Ideal a short break before embarking on another feature race campaign.
“To win this race two years in a row is a great thrill,” Stewart declared. “Major Secret went terrific last year and now Ideal For Real has put in a huge ran.
“It was tight at the finish, but I knew he’d got there in time.
“He will go home now for a short spell, then we will get him revved up again for some of the majors later in the season.”
Matching strides with the leader, Hug The Wind, along the home straight, Ideal For Real grabbed the front in the last stride to score by a half-head, with Sporty Spook seven metres away third.
In an amazing performance from both stables, Stewart and New Zealand trainer Mark Purdon has filled the quinella in the first three Group Ones of the day.
Purdon captured the New South Wales Oaks with Fight For Glory and the Ladyship Mile with Adore Me, while Stewart finished second with Delight Me and Beauty Secret.
“Yeah it is good to turn the tables on Mark and win one of the Group Ones,” Stewart said.
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PAUL COURTS