Dad And Dave eyes Tasmanian Derby repeat in 2026

The team at Ciaron Maher’s stable has the blueprint for landing a Derby with an exciting three-year-old stayer and believes Dad And Dave could be next in line.

In the Listed 2200m race at Hobart on Friday night, Dad And Dave will seek to grant the Maher stable another Tasmanian Derby conquest.

Maher’s National Assistant-Trainer Jack Turnbull explained that they had eyed Dad And Dave as a Derby type before his maiden victory at Kyneton during December.

“Which Derby we weren’t sure,” Turnbull said.

“But he’s got here at the right time.

“When he ran and won his maiden, it didn’t scream to set him for any other Derby at the moment, so we’ll see how he runs on Friday night but there is the potential to come back and look at Adelaide if he was still sound and well.”

Back in 2021, Explosive Jack became Maher’s Tasmanian Derby hero and subsequently conquered the Australian Derby at Randwick, the South Australian Derby at Morphettville, while earning third in the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.

Dad And Dave heads to Friday night’s showdown after prevailing in the Listed Launceston Guineas (2000m) most recently.

The gelding is targeting the same double accomplished by three-year-olds Dunkel in 2023, Bold Soul in 2024, and Likeakalix last year.

Turnbull highlighted the appeal of targeting solid prizemoney with the developing stayer Dad And Dave.

“It’s good racing down there, the prize money is decent, they look after you really well and the facilities are really great,” Turnbull said.

“It’s only a short flight and it’s attractive to go there.

“He’s a lighter-framed horse that has always been straight forward and is one we have been wanting to get out a trip.

“The 2200 metres, it’s a nice step for him. He’s had a good foundation, and it doesn’t look too strong a race.”

The racing betting markets offer plenty of options for the Tasmanian Derby.

The post Dad And Dave out to repeat history first appeared on Just Horse Racing.