There was no happier man in East Gippsland on Monday than Bairnsdale horse trainer, Jackson Pallot, with confirmation his emerging stayer, Highland Blaze, will make the field for Saturday’s blue group one $2,000,000 Victorian Derby at Flemington.
Highland Blaze, an imposing three-year-old colt by European sire, Highland Reel, who was placed in the Weight for Age championship of Australia, the WS Cox Plate, was an impressive last start winner at Bairnsdale.
For Pallot who trains in partnership with wife, Danni, Saturday will be a career milestone and a culmination of months of meticulous planning and preparation.
“Marlo Man contested some of the jumps features, but that doesn’t really count when you have a group one runner in the one of Australia’s oldest classics,” Pallot said.
A Derby start was at the forefront of Pallot’s mind when Highland Blaze debuted with an unplaced effort at Flemington in July in an 1800 metre two-year-old race of which victory afforded automatic entry to the Derby.
IMAGE: Owners of the Jackson Pallot-trained Highland Blaze after winning at Bairnsdale on October 10. All eyes are now on this Saturday’s Victoria Derby. (PS)
