On Deadline On Target for Group One Queensland Derby Tilt

On Deadline (NZ) (Sportswriter) gave his A$150,000 Group One Queensland Derby (2680m) claims a massive boost with his thrilling victory in the $A31,000 Listed South East Derby (2138m) at Albion Park on Saturday night.

The NZB Standardbred graduate was one of the stars of the first night of Queensland’s Constellations Carnival with his late-closing win for trainer-driver Nathan Turnbull.

The classy three-year-old was offered among the Ferintosh Farm draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.

On Deadline was educated in New Zealand, where he impressed in three starts for trainers Logan Hollis and Shane Robertson.

The three-year-old was then sold to Turnbull stable client Sam Treccase and since joining the New South Wales barn, he’s compiled an outstanding record.

On Deadline made it career victory number 12 when charging late to take out Saturday night’s key lead up to the Group One Queensland Derby.

Turnbull secured his three-year-old a sweet trip in the trail behind the race favourite.

On Deadline then did a massive job to make ground on a blistering 26.8sec final 400m to dive along to the passing lane to win.

The victory came in the pacer’s first attempt in a stakes event and showed he is right on track for his first Group One tilt in the Queensland Derby on July 22.

On Deadline is set to clash with another talented NZB Standardbred graduate in the classic event in Rocknroll Hammer (NZ) (A Rocknroll Dance).

Before then, NZB Standardbred graduates Manhattan (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and Braeview Kelly will go head-to-head in the A$200,000 Group One The Golden Girl (1660m) on the second night of the Constellations Carnival, this Saturday night.

NZB Standardbred Hot And Treacherous (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) is also among a stellar line up for the A$150,000 Group One Sunshine Sprint (1660m) on Saturday night at Albion Park.

Photo: Dan Costello