PEARCEDALE prepared three-year-old Stoned I Am booked his place in the Seelite Windows and Doors Victoria Trotters Derby with a victory in the first heat of the time honoured race at Cranbourne on Saturday night.
A winner of six of 16 starts heading into his latest assignment, Stoned I Am renewed his rivalry with The Bohemian – who was sent out a pronounced favourite on the strength of recent victories in the NSW Trotters Derby and the VHRSC Holmfield.
Spearing straight to the lead from barrier two, The Bohemian was allowed to dawdle along at a pedestrian speed for trainer-driver Anthony Crossland, while Stoned I Am settled kindly behind the leader for Simone Walker.
Crossland lifted the tempo turning into the back straight on the final occasion.
Shortly after straightening, Walker angled Stoned I Am back to the sprint lane and the pony knuckled down to his task to prevail by a neck, running his last quarter in a sizzling 28 seconds.
Stoned I Am is raced by Nell Walker, Michael, Trudy and Wendy Smith and is the first progeny of their former free-for-all performer, Stoned At Midnight.
Stoned I Am progresses to the $75,000 Derby final at Maryborough on Sunday, 17 July.
Trainer Bill Walker has an affinity with trotting’s biggest day, having won the 2009 Redwood Classic with Elusive Charm.
Stoned I Am sizzles home
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