Azona's Dashing Tassie Derby Success

BUCKLE Up Azona confirmed his status as one of the most talented sprinter's in Tassie with a brilliant win in Monday night's Rapidvite Tasmanian Derby at Launceston.

Bred and owned by Robyn Johnson and trained by husband Gary, Buckle Up Azona started as the $2.40 favourite from box one and when the lids flew open, he didn't disappoint, putting on a great exhibition, taking the lead coming off the back to score by four lengths in 29.72.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0fqLYMvHzQ&feature=youtu.be

Surprisingly, as a trainer, it was Gary Johnson's first Tasmanian Derby triumph.

"Buckle Up Azona is racing with a lot of confidence and luck went his way," said Robyn Johnson.

"We have been waiting for him to time the start since he ran a fast 29.43 several runs back now. Both the Derby and Oaks had great fields with strong chances. Azona needed to use the draw and showed he is getting back to his best."

The Buckle Up Wes x America Bale chaser has won nine races from 43 with $25,005 in prize money.

Johnson's home-grown sire Buckle Up Wes has produced plenty of success in his third season, with 46 wins thus far in 2019 from 297 runners.

"Gary and I have got some bitches put aside from our Buckle Up Wes litters that we will look to breed with down the track, Buckle Up Ellie (x Jamila Flex) has recently retired due to injury and while some are still racing, we will look to breed with her when she comes on season," Robyn added.

Robyn was satisfied not only in Buckle Up Azona's effort but that of runner-up Buckle Up Carter, purchased in a four-pup deal from the late Michael Laffey.

"Buckle Up Carter is a real handy performer and honest chaser, we're really happy with how he's going and his run on Monday was very good," Robyn stated.