Last year was a disaster

HE CAUSED a massive upset at Globe Derby last week, but as far as trainer Lynton Bishop is concerned, Speedysebastian's victory was anything but a shock.

In fact, Bishop is confident the victory is the beginning of Speedysebastian finally living up to his potential.

Restricted to just six starts last season, the trotter had been absent from the winners' circle since May 2024.

With Luke Alcorn in the cart, Speedysebastian upstaged his more fancied rivals as a $61 outsider to score in 2:04.6 for the 2230-metre stand.

"He went super...just like I know he can," Bishop said. "I know his form doesn't read well, but last year was a disaster really!

"I had so many little problems with him, pretty much all caused by himself for being silly. He'd get tangled up in something or hurt himself and so on.

"When I put him out in a paddock I have to check the paddock to make sure there is nothing he can get himself into.

"I had all these plans, but there was always some sort of problem...with a bit of luck this is the year we can achieve some of them."

Bishop's plans include Speedysebastian following the country cups circuit.

Before then, however, the gelding is poised to return to Globe Derby on Saturday night.

"He has come through his run well, so I've nominated him for the weekend," Bishop said. "The speed he has suggests he can go a fair way and hopefully he can live up to that this time in.

"He is getting better from the stands, so hopefully he can do a good job when the cups come along."