Smart Trial Has Iconic Jet Set For Derby Tilt

PERTH trainer Shayne Williams was both dismayed and overjoyed when his young star Iconic Jet trialled at Wentworth Park in preparation for this week's heats of the Group 1 National Derby (520m).

Iconic Jet (Bernardo-Rippin Memphis) blew the start on the matting in front of the boxes but still trialled 29.79 at his first look at the track last Saturday night.

"I told everyone I thought he would trial 29.50 first look," said Shayne.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK SATURDAY NIGHT

"But, he slipped on the mat in front of the boxes. It was so noticeable and I reckon has cost him at least three or four lengths.

"If you look at his first section of 5.74, that tells you the story of the start.

"I expected him to run 5.40 something."

Iconic Jet comes to Wentworth Park with a huge reputation after 21 starts for 14 wins.

He set The Meadows alight when winning a heat of the G1 Silver Chief in 29.89 but then had no luck in the final behind Epitomize.

Back home he has won the G3 Young Star and he was also third in the G3 SA Derby.

Iconic Jet has drawn box six in his Derby heat on Saturday night and comes up against a slick field headed by Sam Sultana's Trio Of Clowns.

Shayne has also brought Iconic Jet's litter brother Rippin Moses for the Derby and he "felt his way around Wentworth Park" on Saturday night in a 29.88 trial.

Immediate plans for Iconic Jet are to head home with the G2 WA Derby, G1 Perth Cup and The Sandgroper coming up back in Perth.

"After that we will get back on the road with him," said Shayne.

He is also contemplating looking at trialling Iconic Jet at a country NSW track with the view to qualifying the dog for the Million Dollar Chase semis in October.