McDermott set to continue career best form

Prebbleton trainer John McDermott completed his best personal season as a trainer in 2023 and will look to continue that form at Banks Peninsula Sunday.

McDermott trained 13 winners in 2023 and has so far amassed over $770,000 in stakes throughout his training career.

“It was very satisfying! I’d be happy to do as well again this coming season.”

McDermott will line up five runners at today’s meeting.

In race 3 I Spy Diamonds will be looking for her maiden win after some solid placings on the coast circuit, and will be driven by Sarah O’Reilly.

“She raced very well on the coast circuit. A good beginner, but will need a bit of luck from the second row draw. She’s actually in foal to Lazarus. It would be nice to pick up a win before she reties from racing.”

Race 5 Flyaway for Sarah O’Reilly cops a nasty draw outside of the front line. She was only 3.9 lengths from the winner in her last start after doing some work in the run.

“Awkward draw in an even field. I’m happy with her work this week, she’s an upset chance.”

The junior drivers compete in race 7, with Jordy represting McDermott and Devon Van Til in the sulky.

“Very even field but he will need some luck from the draw. Hopefully there’s not too many lead changes and get too far back. But with a bit of luck he shouldn’t be far away.”

Ricky May combines with McDermott and Ruby’s A Delight in race 9. She has only been beaten 7.1 lengths in total out of her last 3 starts and is always a gold coin option for punters.

“She’s a genuine mare and is always a chance. Raced well on the coast circuit. Definitely a top three chance.”

According to McDermott the best of his chances comes with the last of his runners in race 10 - Topaz and Sarah O’Reilly.

“I was very pleased with her last start run. She’s trained on really well. I think she’s my best chance for the day!”

McDermott works a team of seven from his Prebblton base.

“I also have Refine that I transferred to Ben Hope on the beach. She’s in foal to Sweet Lou so it would nice to pick up another win with her before she retires. She will be going to Nelson.”

The first of 12 races gets underway at 12:02pm.