See how he runs! Three Blind Mice in shock Derby win
Busselton-trained Three Blind Mice revealed exceptional potential when he scored a shock all-the-way win in the $200,000 Sky Racing WA Derby (2536m) at Gloucester Park tonight.
Three Blind Mice ($17.80) rated 1:57.4 to beat Eyre Crusher ($11.60) by 1m with a neck to third placegetter Machtu ($4.20).
The $2 favourite Elegant Christian, with one of his sulky tyres punctured, finished fourth after facing the breeze.
New Zealand import Three Blind Mice, who arrived in WA late last year, gave trainer Barry Howlett and reinsman Matthew White their biggest wins.
"Kiwi trainer Brent Mangos had a high opinion of this horse when preparing him in New Zealand," White said. "Brent brought him here for the summer carnival. I went to work for Barry at his stable three months ago and Three Blind Mice was there.
"He's made big progress in a short time. Next season he'll be a lot better and will go a long way.
"He had plenty in reserve at the bell tonight and I was confident he would be hard to beat."
Three Blind Mice went straight to the lead from barrier one and Eyre Crusher trailed him.
White moved to WA from New Zealand a few seasons ago and drove for Capel trainer Andrew De Campo until his recent transfer to the Howlett stable.
"Great credit to Matty," Howlett said. "Without him, I doubt if we could have won the Derby."
Champion ImThemightyquinn, who impressed tonight when driven by Fred Kersley in an exhibition workout at Gloucester Park, could resume racing next week.
He has been entered for Thursday night's $40,000 Easter Cup (2902m) and is handicapped on 60m.
Im Themightyquinn came from behind WA Derby winner Alta Christiano and beat him by a neck over 2400m last night.
They were not fully extended to run the last 800m in 57.5 sec., with the final 400m in 27.8.
"I have never driven a better pacer," Kersley said after the work. "In fact, he's the best I've seen. He travelled beautifully tonight and wanted to go another lap."
Trainer Gary Hall has yet to decide on an Easter Cup start.
"He won't be rushed," Hall said. "I'm delighted how he worked tonight. Quiinnie settled beautifully for Fred."
The $4.3 million stake-earner has not raced since injuring a leg last year.
Kersley, a winner of 17 Perth reinsmen's premierships, last night made his first public appearance in a sulky since retirement from race driving more than 10 years ago.
Trainer-reinsman Aldo Cortopassi predicted improvement by Hokonui Ben after the odds-on favourite gave supporters a scare in only narrowly winning the Big Sports Breakfast TV - Ch 519 Pace (2130m).
Hokonui Ben ($1.60) set the pace and scored by a half-head from strong finisher This Time Dylan ($22.60m). Rocket Reign ($17.80) ran a close third.
Sensational Gabby ($3.70) dropped out after racing outside Hokonui Ben over early stages and again in the last lap.
Hokonui Ben, who won the WA Pacing Cup (2536m) in January, was having his first start in four weeks.
"He had a cold and missed work," Cortopassi said. "His fitness should benefit from this race."
Summer carnival feature events potential was shown by Shirlz Sensation when he brilliantly sprinted four-wide from the bell to win the Riley Car Club The Johnsons Qualifying Heat (2) over 2130m.
Shirlz Sensation ($2.40 favourite) beat What The Blazes ($6.90) by 2.5m and Vapour ($6.90) was a further 5m away in third place.
Trainer Mike Beech said Shirlz Sensation formerly had hoof and back trouble. Chiropractic treatment cured the back problem. Pads were fitted between the four-year-old's hooves and shoes to have a cushioning effect.
