Christopher Dance Brilliant in Group One Derby Win

Harness racing fans were left searching for superlatives after Christopher Dance’s (NZ) (Sweet Lou) stunning win in the A$200,000 Group One WA Derby (2536m) at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

Pundits said the brilliant NZB Standardbred faced a tough challenge when drawing the outside of the front row in the Western Australian classic. But it was a challenge Christopher Dance brushed aside with ease as he powered away from his rivals for a huge win for trainers Greg and Skye Bond and driver Deni Roberts.

Though Christopher Dance announced himself as Perth next big star as he cleared out to win by more than 10m, Roberts admitted the brilliant pacer could have won by more as he eased down in the homestraight with the race well and truly in safe keeping.

“He has probably still knocked off a bit, that is how good he is,” Roberts said.

“It is a bit scary, but I can’t wait for the future with him.”

Christopher Dance was purchased by Chris Webber at the 2021 National Weanling Sale for the bargain price of $8000.

Bred and offered by Woodlands Stud, the three-year-old produced excellent form in New Zealand for trainers Logan Hollis and Shane Robertson.

Greg and Skye Bond then purchased majority shares in Christopher Dance, with Webber remaining in the pacer’s ownership.

Since crossing the Tasman, Christopher Dance has been unbeaten for the trio, culminating in the three-year-old’s thoroughly deserved maiden Group One title on Friday night.

As good as he is now, Roberts expects Christopher Dance to return bigger and better as a four-year-old, given he is the veteran of just 10 starts.

“The more he goes around this track the better he will get and next time, I can’t wait,” the reinswoman said.

Christopher Dance headed his sire Sweet Lou’s (USA) outstanding results over the harness racing weekend.

Sweet Lou is set to offer another strong crop of youngsters at the 2025 National Yearling Sales at Auckland and Christchurch on February 15 and 18.

Catalogues for the sale will be online and in mailboxes this month.