Reigning champ ready for title defense

REIGNING champion Fly The Banner is on target to successfully defend his title later this month.

Triumphant in last season's Emerging Stars Final as a three-year-old, Fly The Banner qualified for the 2025 edition with his heat win at Globe Derby last Saturday night.

Thrilled with the gelding's performance, trainer Robbie Caton is positive Fly The Banner can maintain his position on the throne.

"I was more than happy with his run," Caton said. "He was first-up for a month and still did it quite easily.

"He will benefit from the outing, plus I've nominated him for Saturday night, which will tighten him right up for the Final.

"As long as he can avoid interference in the Final, he will be very hard to beat."

Pushed through from his second row draw, Fly The Banner was settled in the 'death seat' as Stormy Gale led from the pole.

Powering his way to the front leaving the back straight, the son of Warrawee Needy cruised to a six-and-a-half metre win from Lizzie Shelby.

Stormy Gale battled on to be 14-and-a-half metres away third in 1:58 over 1800 metres.

"He had to do it the hard way and still proved too strong, which was great to see," Caton said. "Like I said, he will definitely gain a bit from the run and be right where I want him for the Final."