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Johannes Vanderburg is happy with the box draw in the Group 2 Remedial Building Systems Richmond Derby Final (535m) for No Donuts after his chaser’s “incredible” heat win.
The newcomer, making just his sixth start, held off a strong field including the fast-finishing Lithgow Panther to win a thrilling heat and book a place in this Friday’s $40,000-to-the-winner race.
Watch the victory for No Donuts here.
No Donuts, who claimed victory by a neck ahead and saw off challengers Zipping Oscar and I’m Pedro in the closing stages, then drew box two for the final.
With last year’s Peter Mosman winner Bessy Boo (pictured) inside his hopeful, trainer Vanderburg believes the draw may suit.
“Bessy Boo is obviously strong but maybe not the fastest beginner,” he said. “It may help (No Donuts).
“When I watched the replay I was delighted with how he did. It was an incredible run.
“He has always been a fast finisher – when he won here over the 400m he span home – so I wasn’t that surprised by how he did. That said, he is still a baby.
“I’m not getting too confident for the final (but) I'm happy with the draw. He has a chance but I’m just keeping my fingers crossed.”
The final looks an absolute corker, with all eight finalists having chances.
Lithgow Panther has been running superbly at Richmond recently and if he is up with the leaders halfway round then he will be in contention.
Winsome Prince extended his record to 15 wins from 21 starts with victory in the second heat and looks a strong chance for the final.
The gun chaser has drawn box eight for the final, from which he has won both of his previous starts, and he should be able to cross likely outsider Seven Jacks on his inside.
Kennelmate Winsome Mission is also a big danger in the decider after taking time honours with a 30.38 winning run in his heat.
He does seem to like it a little wider, though, so box five may not suit.
Last year’s Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic winner Bessy Boo cannot be discounted after his impressive 30.61 in a quality heat.
The veteran chaser, who has been primed for the staying ranks in recent weeks, may be slightly slower than the best sprinters these days but still has great quality and can mix it with this company.
Zipping Sonny in box three and Victorian Quasi Bale in box four complete the field for this Friday’s final.
The Jason Mackay-trained Zipping Sonny has a super record at Richmond and cannot be overlooked.
Richmond Derby Final Box Draw: 1. Bessy Boo 2. No Donuts 3. Zipping Sonny 4. Quasi Bale 5. Winsome Mission 6. Lithgow Panther 7. Seven Jacks 8. Winsome Prince. Reserves: Zipping Oscar, Bad Boy Sniper.
