Sanderson excited to represent Queensland

By Josh Spasaro

Adam Sanderson will look to go one better than his sole runner-up finish at the 2018 Australian Drivers Championship when he again represents his state at Globe Derby Park in Adelaide this Saturday.

The Kiwi-born Queenslander will be joined by young gun driver Angus Garrard.

“I was leading until the last race and I got nabbed. So, that was a bit disappointing,” he said.

“But, you compete against the top drivers throughout Australia, so to run second was more than a thrill.”

Sanderson, who drove his first winner at Albion Park back in June of 2011, is looking forward to a massive day of racing against the nation’s best drivers in his bid to become this year’s Australian Drivers Champion.

“Depending on nominations, there are usually about 10 races. It’s a bit of a lottery at the end of the day with random draws,” he said.

“I’m really happy. I had one crack at it quite a number of years ago, so it’ll be good to have another go.

“It was a bit of a surprise being selected and I didn’t think I’d get another chance. It’s exciting, for sure. You do it for a reason, but it’s good to be recognised.”

The Fernvale-based competitor paid credit to a few who had helped him gain selection for the Sunshine State.

“Speak The Truth. He’s won a number of races and Sure Thing Captain,” he said.

“Just recently, Final Deadline has taken me all over Australia and even back to New Zealand.”

Sanderson said harness racing in Queensland was currently highly competitive.

“Parts of it are really good,” he said.

“For the most part, we’re going as good as any, I think."

Sanderson added the beautiful weather and laidback Queensland lifestyle have helped him become one of the top drivers in Australia.

“It’s been great and I love it. I love the hot weather. That was the reason I came over,” he said.

“It’s been terrific ever since I got here.”

He added that the four-year-old Final Deadline – with 13 wins from 28 starts – was set for a bright future.

“We’ve got our summer carnival in a couple of months. That’ll be good and then Final Deadline wherever he takes me,” he said.

The gelding by Bettors Delight and out of New Zealand mare Glory Girl has saluted in five of his past six starts, including the Group 3 4YO Championship and Group 2 Redcliffe Gold Cup.

“He’ll be aimed at a few decent races. I’m not sure of his path yet, but he’s the one I look forward to the most,” Sanderson said.

“He’s got the all-round game. He’s very fast and he’s just a good horse in general.”

Sanderson guided Big Reputation to a win on debut in the 2YO Maiden Pace race over 1660 metres for Shannon Price at Albion Park on Tuesday.

“I like her. She’s very green and what she’s doing so far is just on ability. So, I reckon she’s got a bright future with us,” he said.

“I don’t think she’s top grade, but she’s definitely a nice horse going forward.”