Banjo Shark (pictured. Photo credits Jason Mckeown) Photo credits made his fourth straight victory count on Sunday at Healesville when he claimed a $10.50 surprise victory in the $10,000 Healesville Derby for trainer Ken Virtue and owner Andrew Varasdi.
The son of Banjo Boy, is following in his sire’s footsteps who won the Healesville Derby in 2013 – just four starts into a successful career also for Virtue and Varasdi.
“Winning a race that Banjo Boy had won with his son is definitely a bit sentimental,” trainer Ken Virtue said.
Run over the 350-metre distance, Banjo Shark received a clean get away out of the boxes which saw him jump straight to the early lead and not look back as he held front position to win the biggest final of his short career.
“I gave him a rough chance heading into the final because he is hit or miss out of the boxes,” Virtue said.
“He does have very good early pace when he gets out of the boxes – when he when actually comes out of the boxes he is as quick as you get.”
The son of Banjo Boy and Black Traminer has now had 16 starts for a stagging nine wins and two minor placings.
“He is a versatile dog but at this stage I haven’t had him over further than 440-metres. I would like to get him over a bit further nice and slowly.”
WATCH: Banjo Shark take out the 2017 Healesville Derby from box six.
