Could it be that this time next year racegoers will be marvelling at the deeds of another rising star from Tasmania?.
It was just last spring that Mystic Journey was starting to make an impression on the mainland having won four of her first six starts.
And now it is time to get excited about a filly with a similar (if not more
impressive at the same stage) profile - the Barry Campbell trained Deroche who
was so impressive racing clear to a four length victory in the Tasbred 2Y0
feature at Mowbray on Sunday.
It was win number four from six starts for the striking chestnut who was only just beaten by Mystic Journey's 3/4 sister Mystical Pursuit in the Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes in mid-February.
Since that defeat she has been unstoppable and she certainly impressed jockey Craig Newitt with his latest success, the high class rider noting that "she had panels on them."
"She anticipated the start and came out like a rocket," he told the media with Barry Campbell adding that he had been extremely confident leading into the race, one which took Deroche's prize money tally to beyond $160,000.
"The way she galloped on Tuesday morning," he said, "I didn't think they could beat her. She worked with a couple of open class horses and made them look like maidens."
The race was one of four contested over 1220m on the programme and it is well worth noting that Deroche's winning time of 1.13.50 was clearly superior to the others... whilst her speed throughout the race was also the best of the day.
Heading for a spell in preparation for three-year-old features, Deroche has more in common with Mystic Journey than great form lines... both fillies are daughters of Armidale Stud's regally bred up-and-coming young stallion Needs Further.
A horse who has a big fan in Denise Martin who secured Deroche for $61,000 at last year's Tasmanian Magic Millions.
"Needs Further was a talented race horse and is looking to become an ever better sire," she said, adding that "his horses run as juveniles and are able to train on."
"Deroche was highlighted for us by Brett Howard who described her as a quality filly who physically appeared to be one of the best types Needs Further had produced at a public auction up until that time. "
"She appears to be more likely to be good at three than at two, making her very dominant win on Sunday was an ominous warning to her rivals in the coming season when she returns as a much more mature filly!"
A Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes winning son of Encosta de Lago from the immediate family of the legendary stallion Zabeel, Needs Further has not served large books but is making his mark regardless. Three of his first 33 winners are stakes winners, another two stakes placed... and the best is still to come!
Armidale Stud offers one way paid travel from Victoria for mares visiting Needs Further and his stud mate Alpine Eagle whilst agistment rates are so competitive compared to the mainland; $14.30 for dry mares, $15.40 for mares in foal and $19,80 for mare and foal.
For further information on Needs Further contact David Whishaw on 0407 868 269 or Robyn Whishaw on 0419 100 634.
