Ryan Sanderson has experienced some incredible highs during his short time in harness racing, but remains desperate to find out what it’s like to achieve ultimate success.
And that drives a Group 1 winner.
The 22-year-old racer moved from Queensland to Victoria with his proud family in 2021 and has won major Nations Cups, a heat of the Inter Dominion series and the inaugural Young Guns crown, as well as representing Australia in France in a remarkable start to his career.
He has amassed 498 winners along the way, but has yet to succeed at the elite level.
He hopes that will change on Saturday night at Melton Entertainment Park when he makes three successes in claiming his first ever Group 1 as a new-found stable driver for the mighty Emma Stewart camp.
The most notable of his chances is the favorite Fox Dan in the time-honored Woodlands Stud Victoria Derby Final. He will also partner Bay Of Biscay in the Sportsbet Victoria Cup and Let Her Roll in the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Oaks Final.
“I feel like that’s what everyone is aiming for: to get to a Group 1 winner,” Sanderson said. “I’ve been pretty lucky that Emma and (co-trainer and partner) Clayton (Tonkin) have given me a good opportunity, and I have a chance to try and win one.”
Sanderson came second with Fox Dan in the world’s richest harness race, the Eureka, in September and on to his impressive win in the heat of the Derby last weekend.
The valued barrier of one draw gives the young driver plenty of options and a positive attitude heading into this Saturday evening’s assignment.
“I am confident he will run the distance (2760 metres) and I am quite excited about his chances,” he said. “It’s a bloody great field. I feel like any horse can win with the right run, but he’s probably being pulled in to take advantage of it.”
Sanderson is the son of Group 1 trainer Shane and brother of queen Abby, who has 87 winners to her name so far in her career.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Tim O’Connor, for HRV
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