SA Trots - Emotions will run high for Tyrone Abela at Globe Derby

EMOTIONS will be at a premium at Globe Derby tomorrow night.

Win – which is the aim – lose or draw, Victorian horseman Tyrone Abela will be thinking of his late father, Joe.

A well-known industry identity, Joe’s harness racing goals included having a starter in the South Australia Trotters’ Derby, a feat Abela will realise this weekend.

Not only does Abela have two starters in the Blue Riband, one of his pair is affectionately-known as Joey.

On the track, the squaregaiter is named Distant Sun, which has drawn to search for the front from barrier four.

“Dad passed away a few years ago and we got this bloke not long after,” Abela said. “He’s named after Dad around the stables.

“For some reason Dad liked Adelaide and wanted to have a runner in the Trotters’ Derby over there, so this one is for him!

“It will be a pretty special moment if he wins.”

Distant Sun will be driven by Gaita Pullicino, with Wayne Hill to take the reins behind his stablemate, El Bravo.

In what doubles as his debut, El Bravo will begin from the pole.

“He’s a nice type,” Abela said. “He has been ready to race for a while, but the options I have chosen for his maiden have been deleted due to lack of nominations.

“I was going over with Joey, so figured I may as well take him as well.

“That said, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t finish in the top three.”

• PAUL COURTS