MAIDEN Gully trainer David Van Ryn will chase the biggest win of his training career when stable star Asdenro lines up in the Group One New South Wales Trotters Derby at Menangle on Saturday night.
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Asdenro has won six-straight races for Van Ryn, including the Listed South Australian Trotters Derby at Globe Derby last start.
The three-year-old is the $3.20 second favourite for the NSW Derby behind odds-on favourite Our Twentyten ($1.90).
“This horse has always had the ability, but this time around he’s matured and grown into his body,’’ Van Ryn said of Asdenro.
“He’ll mate again next year because he’s such a big horse. He’s done everything right so far.
“He’s a laid back horse and nothing really stresses him.
“He trialled really well at Maryborough on Sunday and he’s ready for Saturday night.”
Van Ryn said the NSW Trotters Derby was Asdenro’s toughest test.
The colt has drawn gate three in the eight-horse field.
“Bad Habbott (drawn gate one) used to show plenty of speed early when it was trained down here,’’ Van Ryn said.
“There’s a couple drawn on his outside that will probably put the pressure on early.
“We just need to wait and see how he comes out of the gate.
“If he comes out well he can take a forward position. The 2500m trip will suit him really well.”
Asdenro’s success has been a family affair for Van Ryn, with his nephew Haydon Gray driving the three-year-old in the majority of its wins.
“Haydon has had a great year and he’s already out-driven his junior driving claim,’’ Van Ryn said.
“He drives my horses better than anyone.”
Van Ryn has established himself as one of the best trainers of trotters in Victoria.
“I’ve got about 15 in work at the moment,’’ he said.
“I got up to 24 at one stage, but that was too many.
“We’ve had our best year this year… it would be nice to top it off now with some wins in the big Group races.”