Final Deadline looming large

Make no mistake, there is a deadline. There normally is. But when Queensland connections purchased progressive Kiwi pacer Final Deadline last year for a hefty sum, they were prepared to play the long game.

Sure, outlaying strong money for a talented New Zealand three-year-old normally comes with expectations but the new connections of Final Deadline knew the challenge they faced.

Arriving less than a month before the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Albion Park, trainer Shannon Price was audacious in her planning to win the blue riband classic.

“I vividly remember telling Scott (Miller) he might not win a Derby, but he deserves his opportunity. In the end, his preparation was anything but perfect,” Price explained.

"At the time of purchase, he was tipped out having paddock time following an excellent in the Group 1 Sires Stakes Final at Addington, there was no flights for two weeks and once move to Jeff and Luke Whittaker’s property, he started to get tied up."

Final Deadline finished an excellent second in his local debut, beaten behind Hesitate in the Queensland Derby qualifier before backing up a week later in the main event and finishing a brave fifth behind Rubira in the 2680m feature.

Welcome to Queensland!

That was the introduction to the Sunshine State for what’s now considered one of our brightest talents.

“I was watching the Sires Stakes heats in New Zealand, Marketplace and Got The Chocolates were the standouts, but I spotted this guy running on. His sectional data was impressive, and he performed well in both the semi-final and final,” Price said.

“Before long the price was put on his head and it was hefty - blew me straight out of the water and I dropped off. 

'Long story short, Luke got back to me and said you might be back in the game, I think connections are prepared to sell at a reasonable price. Following some back and forth with bartering, we agreed on a price and he was sold.

“He was trained by Tom Bagrie, and Deadline (as he was known in New Zealand) was known around the stables as Mason, named after Tom’s son.

'I’m pretty sure he was the last horse bred by Tom’s father, Peter, before his passing, so there were emotional attachments with the horse.

'Tom was happy to deal directly with me, and he was happy to cut the deal.”

In New Zealand, Final Deadline raced eight times for a pair of wins (both at Addington) plus three second placings before crossing the ditch.

In the 12 months that have passed since arriving, Final Deadline has solidified and enhanced his reputation via several excellent efforts stretching along the east coast of Australia.

Final Deadline has raced and beaten star local Fate Awaits plus the likes of Fernco Nel, Waikaka Magic, Strikem and Sinabun among others.

He also took his talents to Melbourne and Sydney. Final Deadline qualified for the prestigious Group 1 Victoria Derby at Melton, finishing second behind Sau Paulo Simba in the qualifying heat before running ninth in the final behind the extra smart Fox Dan.

Final Deadline started from gate seven - the outside of the front line in both the heat and final.

Following a deserved let-up, Final Deadline would be aimed at the Group 1 Chariots Of Fire at Menangle.

Final Deadline won three straight races at Albion Park before heading south for the Hondo Grattan Stakes and finished an excellent second behind Double Lou, beaten a half-head margin in a time of 1:50.0.

In the $250,000 Chariots, Final Deadline was again the runners-up behind brilliant mare Captains Mistress in a time of 1:49.8.

The following week on Miracle Mile race night, Price entered her progressive pacer in the Group 2 $75,000 Light Horse FFA (formerly known as the Bohemia Crystal FFA) against many of the Miracle Mile standard entrants.

“After nominating him for the race, I sat back and thought I’ve just nominated this four-year-old with 20 career starts against his name in a genuine open class event," Price said.

" I asked myself if I’d thrown him against the wolves, but he bounced out of the Chariots race so well and we engaged Luke McCarthy to drive him because Adam (Sanderson) was committed to my other runner.

“When the field was released and draws conducted, he drew 10 (outside the front-line); I couldn’t believe it.

"I also entered Speak The Truth while other rivals included the likes of Rakero Rocket, Max Delight, Ubetcha Tigerpie and Cheerstolou amongst others.

“In the end, he finished a short half-head behind Hi Manameisjeff in 1:49.3 and should’ve won with any luck.

"I walked away confident that night knowing I’ve got a genuine contender, he’s good enough to match the big boys and he’s still got lots of improvement and maturity left in him.”

Speak The Truth finished ninth.

Following his Sydney campaign, Price and Mason returned home and the focus was obvious: The Constellations during the winter period.

Final Deadline has already impressed during the carnival, smashing the track record to take out the 2026 Group 2 Redcliffe Gold Cup.

The pacer finished seventh in last week's Group 1 The Rising Sun, but Price is adamant there are bigger things to come for the talented four-year-old.

“He’s your typical Bettors Delight progeny. At home he’s boring with zero wow factor, he works solo most times, but come raceday he’s all business. He’s perfectly mannered but he knows the difference between training and racing," Price said.

“Looking back, it was always going to be about 2026 and beyond, he was an exciting prospect at the time of purchase, but he’s elevated himself which is very pleasing. 

"He appears to be a Grand Circuit type quality horse.”

His regular driver also concurs.

“He just keeps getting better, I believe he’s going to be very good! He’s got the all-round game; his tractability is his best asset. He can absolutely zing the starting gate and then just drops the bit, he’s lovely to drive, Adam Sanderson said.

And Sanderson is no stranger to success; he’s aiming for his third straight Group 1 Queensland Derby this month following success with Rubira last year and Major Hot (2024).

So, the deadline is looming, but it will be well worth it.