Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Champion jockey James McDonald and master trainer Chris Waller have combined for another major victory as Stormy Marco surged home to claim the $3 million Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.
The three-year-old colt charged to the lead in the straight and raced away from second-placed Cold Shower for a stunning victory under McDonald in Australia’s oldest classic.
Quick Finish was third as the first filly in the race since 1990, with Murshidi fourth.
It was a fourth Derby triumph for Waller and second for McDonald.
The pair only just missed out earlier in the stallion-making Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), with St Gotthard beaten a long neck by The Next Episode.
Mark Zahra recovered from his nasty Caulfield Cup fall on Half Yours to pilot The Next Episode to a brilliant victory in the $2 million Group 1 sprint.
Mbube was third, with Under Focus fourth.
Zahra’s win in the first Group 1 event of this year’s Melbourne Cup carnival came after his dominant showing with four victories on Derby day 12 months ago.
It was Zahra’s third Coolmore Stud Stakes victory and second in as many years, following his win aboard Tentyris last year.
“They’re very similar similar horses. He’s a real dude now, this horse,” Zahra said.
“He’s so relaxed, but when you want him he just goes ‘bang’. It’s great to be on two magnificent colts within two years.”
Zahra took a week off under doctors’ orders after his Caulfield Cup fall and missed Cox Plate day, but wouldn’t be denied another shot at Flemington glory.
“Any other time of year I’m probably having a holiday in Byron or Ibiza, but this time of year you just can’t do it,” Zahra said.
“I just had to suck it up. It’s been a tough two weeks, but this time of year is what I live for and ride for.
“Great help by the doctors and with a few Nurofen today we’re bang on song.”
A $2.8 million yearling purchase, The Next Episode is now worth about 10 times that amount as a stallion prospect.
The Snitzel colt has now won five of seven career starts.
“When you’ve got a colt with a record like he does, these are the stallion-making races and you’ve got to perform on the big day,” Maher said.
“You want the pressure, that’s what we get up in the morning for. He’s a ripper and he’s only going to get better as he gets older.”
Earlier, Waller had success in the first race of the Melbourne Cup carnival, when Damian Lane steered The Roaring Sun to victory in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes.
Waller had the quinella with Unhinged, ridden by McDonald, finishing second ahead of Conquer The World in third.
It is the sixth time Waller has won the traditional carnival opener, and third in succession following triumphs by Aeliana (2024) and Panova (2025).
Waller also claimed the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes with De Armas, ridden by Blake Shinn.
Flemington trainer Nick Ryan had two runners withdrawn from Saturday’s meeting after Racing Victoria stewards charged him with alleged possession of a prohibited substance.
Ryan was charged following a stable inspection on Saturday morning by RV’s Compliance Assurance Team, which resulted in the forced scratchings of Anglaise (Wakeful Stakes) and Doubt Time (Coolmore Stud Stakes).
“Mr Ryan was found to have in his possession, in the glove box of his motor vehicle, two syringes of Darbepoetin Alfa which is a prohibited substance under Prohibited List A of the Australian Rules of Racing,” RV stewards reported.
Ryan, a former champion jockey, reserved his plea and the hearing was adjourned until Monday.
