Simply super run by Simply Sam a fitting memorial to his late owner Bob Best

All thoughts were of the late Bob Best after Simply Sam scored a barn-storming win at Alexandra Park tonight, prompting both his trainer and driver to start thinking of the derbies to come.

Lincoln Farms’ boss John Street labelled it a special occasion that the horse could honour Best, who died just a few weeks ago at the age of 89.

And no sooner had race sponsor Alabar Stud’s Graeme Henley presented Street with the trophy than he passed it on to Best’s son Robert and his wife Donna.

Street said he was delighted the family had decided to stay in on Simply Sam and he believed the horse had a big future ahead of him.

“I know it’s early days and it’s only a maiden race but I think we’ve got a pretty nice horse. Ray (Green) has always said he could be a derby horse.”

Simply Sam rushes past Mr Chip to score a stunning win at Alexandra Park tonight. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.Simply Sam did nothing to change Green’s opinion tonight and even though the horse showed a terrific turn of speed last week when finishing second fresh-up, his performance tonight was next level.

“I can smell the derby money,” Green joked to driver Maurice McKendry as he returned to the stable.

Few watching the race, including punters who backed Simply Sam down to $1.75 on fixed odds, would have been comfortable when McKendry was pushed four wide mounting his run from the back approaching the home bend.

“But they were going nowhere and I was still cruising,” McKendry said. “When we straightened up I thought I still had a bit of work to do but he really stretched out.”

And when Simply Sam gathered in pacemaker Mr Chip close to home he was going so fast he opened up a one and a quarter length margin at the post.

Trainer Ray Green and driver Maurice McKendry enjoy the moment.“He’s very fast,” McKendry said. “He’s showing signs of being a nice horse and I can see him getting better as he gets older. He hasn’t got a lot of gate speed yet, but he’ll get it.”

McKendry was also pleased the horse steered straighter than last week when he tended to get in a fraction.

Queensland Derby in consideration

Green said it made sense to now consider the three-year-old features at the Brisbane winter carnival, the A$102,000 Queensland Derby on July 23 a logical target, a race won last year by the stable’s American Dealer.

“Nothing’s set in stone yet but it’s worth a look as he’s a very nice horse who can be aimed at those type of races.”

Under the new calendar, the $250,000 New Zealand Derby is now not run until December 2 at Addington, by which time Green expects Simply Sam to be really on his game.

Robert Best said Simply Sam “obviously had a lot of ticker” powering home to clock 2:41.9.

Bob Best loved his horses and enjoyed a rewarding five years as a Lincoln Farms partner. PHOTO: Trish Dunell.“It’s nice to be here thinking of dad. I feel like we’re representing him. I know he’d like that we’re enjoying the horse.”

Street told the gathering he was sad to lose Bob as a partner - “I enjoyed his company” - but in the last five years of his life he’d enjoyed plenty of success (37 wins).

That wasn’t surprising, he said, given Bob once trained himself and had a good eye for a horse.

“He was always at the stable asking the right questions.”

Street said while there had already been interest from agents in Simply Sam, he was in no hurry to sell him.

He had also to consider his other partners in the horse - Priscilla Edmunds, who was there tonight, Kim MIller, the Red & Blue Syndicate and the Green Machine Racing Syndicate.

“Life’s all about having a bit of fun, it’s not about money. And we’ve sold horses before too early like King Of Swing and Line Up who have gone on to be top horses.”