Ciaron Maher celebrated a second Tasmanian Derby success as Dad And Dave prevailed in the three-year-old event held at Elwick Racecourse.
As a son of Time Test, the gelding is the seventh to secure the Launceston Guineas before this Tasmanian Derby victory.
Maher’s earlier success came with partner David Eustace and the prolific Group 1 winner Explosive Jack in 2021.
Stable’s Nikki White remarked that the gelding is progressively getting better.
“He’s sort of been a bit of a dark horse,” she said.
“We didn’t screw him down as much at home, but we just knew we had potential to obviously get out and trip and it’s paid off.
“When I sort of saw him back three-wide, I thought, ‘you know, you’ve got to ride this horse ugly to be able to produce him’, and it worked out.”
On the prospect of entering other Derbys, White stated: “We possibly will. We’ll see how he comes back through this and we’ll make a plan after that.”
Starting from out wide, jockey Eoin Walsh placed the $3.30 elect comfortably midfield, off the inside barrier, one lap from home on the Hobart venue.
He shifted three-wide midrace, building drive steadily and loomed as the danger turning for home.
The gelding powered home decisively, leading and holding on by three quarters of a length.
Consecutive LR wins for Time Test 3yo DAD AND DAVE in the Tasmanian Derby following his win in the Launceston Guineas@cmaherracing @WindsorParkStud @KarakaChat @OhukiaLodge @NZTM_TWEET @littleavondale @_TJK_pic.twitter.com/5y7hshmc0k
— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) February 6, 2026
Walsh was content with the opening pace of the event.
“I was pretty confident going into the first bend, I thought ‘geez, we’re going to go a good one as long as they don’t steady them up,’ he said.
“But no, a lovely genuine tempo and my lad was the best stayer in the race today.
“I was just following him on one I got stuck behind last day as well, and that’s why I popped out three wide, just to get my lad going, because I could see my native friend John Allen (Colizzi) was travelling well down the inside.
“I just wanted to get him in a pocket, but my horse is still just racing a little lazy still.”
Finishing ahead were David and Coral Feek’s Colizzi ($8) in second, and Helioson ($12) from Patrick and Michelle Payne a half-length further behind. Discover more options at the premier betting markets for the race.
The post Watch: Dad And Dave’s Tasmanian Derby Delight first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
