Aussie issues ominous warning to Kiwis

HAVING conquered the south, it's time to head east.

Ending their Victorian campaign on a high with a win in Melton just moments ago, connections of Not As Promised will undertake the extended stage of their working holiday when they head to New Zealand next week.

Making the journey from the Sunshine State last month, trainer Graham Dwyer and his entourage created history by becoming the first Queenslanders to capture the Victoria Trotters' Derby since its inception in 1914 when captured by Lucid.

Dwyer's crew includes his son Layne, who took over the duty as Not As Promised's caretaker trainer ahead of the Breeders' Crown.

Successful in his heat in Maryborough a fortnight ago, Not As Promised completed a clean sweep of the series by securing the Group One decider.

To be given a "few light days", the son of Betting Line is due to be flown across the Tasman on Wednesday to prepare for the Northern Derby on December 10.

"We figured 'why not?', we've got nothing to lose, so we're going to New Zealand," Dwyer said. "He flies out next Wednesday and has about 10 days to settle in.

"When we first got him he was like a foal on four legs, and in his first trial he was beaten by nearly 100 metres, but hasn't stopped improving and has just exceeded all expectations.

"What a ride it has been with him and it isn't over yet."

As for his latest triumph, Not As Promised led throughout from barrier four to score by eight-and-a-half metres from The Locomotive, which was brave after racing in the 'death seat'.

Enjoying the run of the race behind the front runner, Watts Up Partytime was three metres away third.

Driven by Nathan Dawson, Not As Promised rated 1:59.6 over 2240 metres to take his record to eight wins and earnings of $116,395 from nine starts for Dwyer.