Derby Dream More Than Alive For Evans

TRAINER Shaun Evans has been dreaming of winning a National Derby for as long he can remember.

And at Wentworth Park on Saturday night the 44-year-old conditioner has a live chance of turning that dream into a reality when Rockstar Apollo and Rockstar Gunnar take their place in the coveted group 1 classic.

"There's races worth more money but none more time-honoured – it's a race I've always wanted to win," Evans said.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

"In a Derby you are racing the best up and comers so it's a real test. I'm confident I've got the dog to do it in Rockstar Apollo but like all big races you need that luck. He'll be giving his all.

"I trialled Rockstar Apollo and Rockstar Gunnar up the straight together on Tuesday and Apollo beat him seven lengths. There's a bit between them and as dogs they are really chalk and cheese, but anything can happen in a race. As long as one of them can win I wouldn't be too upset."

What a total Rockstar!

Shaun Evans has two into the @ladbrokescomau National Derby Final next week, after Rockstar Apollo took out Heat 4 in a sizzling 29.58 – the fastest time so far! Gozo King and Tarawi Rocky filled the placings.

Results: https://t.co/4nGxO1GVOW#thedogs pic.twitter.com/dgX2Xw3z50

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) January 13, 2023

Rockstar Apollo's meteoric rise through the ranks has been something to behold.

From 13 starts he's scored on eight occasions, the most recent of those last Friday's ultra-impressive 29.58 Derby heat success.

And on the strength of a "perfect" preparation in the lead-up to Saturday night's decider, Evans is confident his budding young star is ready to race up to the brilliant form which has seen him win five on the bounce.

"Touchwood the week has been perfect – almost too perfect," Evans said.

"Having been around dogs for as long as I have you get used to things going wrong here and there but the preparation has been faultless right the way through.

"I couldn't be happier with where he is at going into Saturday night. Both of them actually."

While having bred and co-owned a group 1 winner in Australian Cup hero St. Pierre, and trained greyhounds the calibre of Star Torana, Bronze Thong and Aphorism, Evans is yet to train a group 1 winner.

But The Oaks mentor, married to fellow trainer Kayla Coleman, heads to Wentworth Park on Saturday night with his best chance yet.

"If one of them could win it would be very special," Evans said.

"And what would make it more special is that this pair's mum Rockstar Stratus passed away from cancer a year or so ago. She was very special to us and has left us with a great young dog to carry on her legacy."

Rockstar Apollo (box three) is at $3.10 to win the National Derby behind SA sensation Victa Damian (box five) at $2.50 while northern rivers excitement machine Starline Express (box six) is at $5.50.