Trainer John Ledger has got a spring back in his step.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ledger is the first to admit that his stable has been going through a lean patch in recent times.
But the long-time trainer believes he has finally found the galloper that has the potential to be his next stable star.
Ledger is daring to dream with Ultimate Edition who demolished his rivals at Bendigo by 5.5-lengths earlier this month to win a maiden at his third career start.
The Wangaratta trainer has always had an opinion of Ultimate Edition, so much so that he nominated the emerging stayer for the Victoria Derby.
The three-year-old's odds for the group one staying classic were slashed from 150/1 to 26/1 after the impressive Bendigo win.
Ultimate Edition's Victoria Derby credentials will become a lot clearer when he contests the $140,000 3YO Geelong Classic, (2200m) on Wednesday's Geelong Cup program.
In-form hoop Damian Lane takes the mount on the $3.40 pre-post favourite.
Ledger agrees with bookmakers that Ultimate Edition looks to be the testing material in the Listed feature.
"I'm not too worried about the opposition and know I have got a very nice horse on my hands," Ledger said.
"What I am worried about is his immaturity and if he over-races and doesn't settle, he will get beaten.
"If he relaxes, he wins.
"He is an exceptional galloper with a bright future ahead and is a lovely animal to train.
"But he is only a baby and is still learning what racing is all about."
IN OTHER NEWS
Brave Chief is the most talented horse that Ledger has previously trained.
He captured the imagination of punters with his bold frontrunning style during the late 90s and early 2000s.
The highlight was winning the group two Sandown Classic in track record time.
Brave Chief contested multiple group races as well as claiming the Cranbourne and Wodonga Cups.
The son of Hula Chief also had an affinity with Moonee Valley where he won on eight occasions.
And while Ledger knows it takes a special horse to reach those lofty heights, he believes Ultimate Edition has the potential.
"I've never previously had a Derby runner," he said.
"Brave Chief was my last group one runner but had to race against Sunline and Northerly."
Ledger was inundated with offers from Hong Kong and Singapore interests after Ultimate Edition thrashed his rivals at Bendigo.
But Ledger said the son of Helmet is not for sale and he and the owners will enjoy the ride.
