Fieldmaster Hunting Derby Glory

NZB Ready to Run Sale graduate Fieldmaster put himself firmly in Group 1 Queensland Derby contention at Doomben yesterday, with an impressive win in the http://www.brc.com.au/ Handicap (2240m).

With the A$500,000 Derby on 12 June at Eagle Farm firmly set in Fieldmaster (Black Minnaloushe x Gillygate by Grosvenor) and trainer Patrick Payne's sights, the gelding put in a stellar last to first performance, crossing the line with one-and-a-quarter lengths to spare.

Bred by Bruce and Maureen Harvey, and their son Glen, he was sold under the family's Ascot Farm banner at the 2008 Ready to Run Sale. Cambridge-based bloodstock agent Michael Wallace bid to $27,000 to secure him for owner Dan Myers.

Myers placed the gelding with Hawera trainer Adrian Bull where he notched up a third on debut before winning at Woodville and catching the eye of Patrick Payne and now owner Josh Xipell. After yesterday's race, Payne credited Bull with laying down the foundations for the Derby�goal as he too had the race in his sights.

Since his sale, the half-brother to Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) winner Butch James (Volksraad), won over 1600m in his Australian debut before a second to Star Scream (Testa Rossa) at Caulfield.

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�Last year's Group 1 Queensland Derby winner, $30,000 Karaka Select Sale graduate, Court Ruler.

Also featuring high in the markets for the Derby are Karaka graduates (Sir) Time Keeper (Stravinsky), The Hombre (Lucky Owners), Landlord (One Cool Cat), Rocket to Rio (Captain Rio), Brightnight (Savabeel), Fairy Oak (High Chaparral) and Favours Traded (Al Maher).

With an impressive Derby winning record in Australia, Karaka graduates Court Ruler (Viking Ruler), Empire's Choice (Redoute's Choice) and Lachlan River (Desert King) have won the Queensland feature in the last five years.