The Queensland Trotters Derby had a lucrative addition to the winner’s stake money for My Ultimate Sunny and owners, Tumby Park, headed by Scott Whitton and Jodie Foster.
The three-year-old was bred by Greg and Sharon Mitchell before heading to Sydney for his sale as a yearling, prepared by Rickie Alchin for the 2022 Nutrien Sale in Sydney.
Alchin needed some assistance in filming the yearling trotting up, so called on his brother Jarrod to hold the camera while the young colt was running in the paddock, and this is where Jarrod first came in contact with the square gaiter.
“He (Rickie) rang me and asked could I go and help him run him up the fence to get a video of him for the sale,” Jarrod said.
“So I went up there and he was like a little dart, he just zipped around and I thought, ‘I really like this horse.”
Taken by what he saw, Jarrod then convinced the team from Tumby to put in a bid, knowing there was a reserve price of $30,000 on the son of Ultimate Daiquiri.
The winner at four of his first five starts My Ultimate Sunny has already dealt with his fair share of problems.
“I really liked him, but it has just been one thing after another with him.
“He fractured a fetlock early on and then we bought him back and then he had bone chips in both hocks.
“This time in, he has come so far this prep, he will be so much better when he can have a good spell.” Alchin said.
Gaining a start in last weeks The Great Square it was a luckless effort, but still full of merit and heading into a small field of four trotters in the Derby, the Majestic Son colt looked a clear standout, starting a long odds-on favourite.
As the mobile pulled away Adam Sanderson aboard Pizza Prince was prepared to take a chance in front, burrowing through and keeping My Ultimate Sunny wide.
There was of room for Cam Hart to ease the favourite into the trail with the small field in single file formation until the 600.
Easing to the outside, within 50m, My Ultimate Sunny had found the front, in control and from there was never headed.
Running the closing heart in 28 to 28 six ultimate sunny held off goat to give the Alchin brothers the quinella, Jarrod beating Rickie who trained and drove G O A T into second place.
Eligible for the Triad Series in late August, the colt was given a few days off before heading back to Sydney, with the aim to qualify from the standing star before heading back for the Triad.
My Ultimate Sunny will go for a well-earned spell following the Triad.
“He could go to the Victorian Derby, but I just don’t think he is ready for it.” Alchin said.
In the Trotters Oaks a well hatched campaign by Al Barnes proved successful when Lucky Mum was able to lead throughout
Driven by Barnes son Brendan it was a one act fair with the filly holding off Mega Spur and Ahundredplus in the closing stages
Barnes purchased the filly out of New Zealand and with a short Australian campaign before Lucky Mum heads to North America, the filly will depart the Sunshine State a winner of the Redcliffe Trotters Cup at her first start.
Gaining a start in The Great Square, it was then a brave effort to hold third after setting the early tempo before releasing to eventual winner Rockinwithattitude.
Lucky Mum now has a few days in the paddock on her schedule before heading to Melbourne where she is booked on a flight to the US.