Sad Aftermath Ahead Of Richmond Derby Decider

A post race collision in the catching pen has robbed star sprinter Gatlin of a berth in next Friday night's Group 2 Ladbrokes Richmond Derby Final (520m).

The Group 1 Vic Peters Classic hero won through to next week's $40,000-to-the-winner decider with a gutsy half-head heat victory over Zipping Novak in a slick 29.40.

The performance came a week after the son of Dyna Double One set the Richmond track alight with a near record 29.27 win to stamp his leading Derby credentials for John and Minnie Finn.

Gatlin has won heat 2 of the @ladbrokescomau @richmond_greys Derby in a tight one.

Full Results: https://t.co/vIQEv92mJN#thedogs pic.twitter.com/KAaayFWL5M

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) February 24, 2023

But following Friday night's Derby heat success Gatlin was involved in a collision in the catching pen with a post race veterinary examination revealing two fractures to a wrist where a three-month stand down period was imposed.

The news is a devastating blow for connections with the 13-time winner in superlative form ahead of his Derby assignment at his home track.

The grit and determination demonstrated in Friday night's heat win had the prolific winning sprinter right in the mix for the rich group 2 final next week.

Heat one of the Derby went the way of Rockstar Heeney for Shaun Evans in 29.65 while the pace was set for the finale in the third and final qualifier with Came And Went stopping the clock in a flying 29.34 for Darren Sultana.

Came And Went has been dealt no favours in the draw for the final in box seven.

GROUP 2 RICHMOND DERBY BOX DRAW

1. Trunkey Bill 2. Adhana Rico 3. Zipping Novak 4. Rockstar Heeney 5. Nangar Archie 6. Oreo Ethics 7. Came And Went 8. Can't Handle It Res. 9. On The Bus 10. Bell Toller