Huge Offer Refused For Queensland Derby Hotpot

“$200,000 will not buy him” says Jason Sharp of boom youngster Morton as the dog heads into Thursday night's Group 2 Queensland Derby Final (520m) at Albion Park.

Owner, Darrell Heathcote, knocked back the huge offer recently for the son of Tommy Shelby-Chloe Louise which has drawn what appears to be a poor five box in the $75,000-to-the-winner Derby final.

But, Jason and Jessica Sharp, who prepare the youngster, are happy with the box draw.

Morton came off the rails at Albion Park last Thursday night when winning his Derby heat in 29.88 beating Zipping Ronaldo and Rocklea Earle when leading throughout.

“He has enough early pace to head the three on his outside,” said Jason.

“And, we like him from the wider draw so he can handle the first turn better.”

Morton's victory in his Derby heat was superb.

"All eyes on the clock"

MORTON showed his potential with a breathtaking performance at @MelbourneGreys.

He's just 22 months old but looks more than capable of impacting the upcoming #DreamChasersFestival, which begins on Nov 11 at The Meadows.#GreyhoundRacing #PremierRacing pic.twitter.com/tXiDAwYbsS

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) October 21, 2023

“It was a big day for him,” said Jessica.

“He had never been on a plane before, he had never been on Albion Park before, and he seemed to get a bit lost going around that first turn.”

The Sharps will change nothing for this week's final.

“I will fly up on Thursday again with him, just like last week,” said Jason.

“He travelled great and for a young dog he handled the experience so very well.”

Morton has raced 16 times for 10 wins and his run before the Derby heat was a luckless third in the G1 Silver Chief to Mepunga Shine after missing the start.

Owner Darrell Heathcote has been a client of the Sharp kennel for the past few years.

“Darrel bought Morton and his litter brother as pups, asked if we could rear them and train them,” said Jason.

“The brother actually broke in the best but he has hurt himself and is behind Morton.”

Of Darrell refusing the $200,000 offer for Morton, the Sharps said the offer just would not buy him.

“On a personal note, we have been in greyhounds for 16 years and have been waiting all this time to get one like him,” said Jason.

The Sharps have only feature races mapped out for Morton's future.

“The Gold Bullion at Albion Park and the National Derby at Wentworth Park are obvious targets,” said Jason.

“It all depends on how he fares on Thursday night.”