DRIVER Kurt Lew revealed a Menangle debut is next on the agenda for Dubbo gelding Mister Jogalong after he took out the 2015 Western Districts Derby on Friday night at the Bathurst Paceway.
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An annual event, which is rotated between the Bathurst, Dubbo and Parkes Harness Racing Club's, the Western Districts Derby has seen a number of talented three-year-old winners across the years.
Mister Jogalong joined that list after a commanding all-the-way win over 2260 metres on Friday night, kicking clear of his rivals down the home straight after a smart drive from Lew.
He was able to get to the lead from barrier one then back the pace right off through a 49.9-second lead time and a 61.6 split for the first half of the last mile.
That meant the Life Sign x Miss Jogalong gelding had plenty left in reserve when Lew asked him to give.
"It was his first run back [from a spell], we gave him a let up after his last race over here. I was able to give him a couple of easy ones in front and he came home nicely," Lew said.
"He is going to be a nice horse, he's very consistent. Once we throw him in the deep end in a bit harder ones we hope he will step up.
"We will probably take him to Menangle now."
While not having raced since winning at Bathurst on February 25, Mister Jogalong's record of five victories and two placings from nine starts was enough to see him backed into $2.30 favouritism for the Western Districts Derby.
Both the favourite and Jethros An Eagle on his inside got away well once the green light was given, but Lew's chance had a touch more gate speed and was able to cross for the lead.
Emma Turnbull was happy enough to stay in the trail with Jethros An Eagle, The Space Invader offering cover on the outside.
Down the back straight for the first time Mat Rue set off from the rear with The Only Child and pushed on until he sat on the leader's shoulder.
But the field was shuffled again before the bell sounded to mark the final lap, Steve Turnbull lobbing into the death seat with Lexus On The Beach after making a three-wide move.
With 800m to run it was Mister Jogalong by a half length over Lexus On The Beach with Jethros An Eagle on the favourite's back.
Lew decided it was time to make his move and picked up the tempo, Mister Jogalong clocking a 28 seconds third sectional. That acceleration caught out his rivals and the favourite had pulled clear into the bend.
On balancing in the home straight Mister Jogalong was three lengths clear of the chasing pack and only pulled further away thanks to a flying 27.4 final quarter.
In the end Mister Jogalong won by 12m over Jethros An Eagle ($15) with another 13/4m back to third placed Lexus On The Beach ($3.50).
