News Article - Australian Harness Racing

Guerin: Queensland on radar for Merlin after Derby triumph

25 March 2023

Don’t be fooled by the small margin Merlin scaped home by in Friday night’s $135,000 Woodlands Derby.

Because driver Zachary Butcher is adamant the quality colt could have won the classic by a lot more had he wanted.

“That is just him, he doesn’t like running away from horses and just switches off,” said Butcher after his first win in the great race.

17 February 2026
GOODFORM - Ryan's tips and strategy for Shepparton: Shepparton – Tuesday, 17 February 2026 Race 1: OVERVIEW: NUGGET ROGERS (3) is always popular with punters despite not visiting the winner’s circle since last July. Driver Nathan Jack gets on well with him and delivered a peach last week, only beaten by a horse in top form. From the favourable...

17 February 2026
From Parade Champion to $140,000 at Karaka - But There Is More to the Story: Karaka delivered a standout result with the outstanding King Of Swing x Gladamare colt, Lot 102, selling for $140,000. As the only King Of Swing yearling offered in the sale, he carried plenty of interest and he certainly did not disappoint. Crowned International Animal Health Best Presented at the NZB...

17 February 2026
Leap To Fame Miracle Mile doubt: THE Miracle Mile could be the sacrificial race in a busier than expected start to the year for champion pacer Leap To Fame. A five-race Victorian raid and a confirmed trip to New Zealand for the $NZ1 million Race by betcha at Cambridge in April has put pressure on a Miracle Mile tilt in March. Leap To...

16 February 2026
Boyanup Breeder has Proud Sales Record: Well known Boyanup horseman Dennis Roche has a record with graduates of the Australian Pacing Gold yearling sales that would make him the envy of most breeders. “Four of the five horses that I’ve sold at the sales have won races and the other one was placed,” Roche, who conducts an...

16 February 2026
Magnificent Storm resumes in style: Advancing years are not affecting the sheer brilliance of Magnificent Storm, who reappeared after a nine-week absence in the $50,000 Village Kid Sprint over 1730m at Gloucester Park on Friday night. At his first outing as a nine-year-old he was given an easy task by star reinsman Aiden de Campo as he...

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