Britton's ‘Dream' Group 1 Double

JEFF Britton made a clean-sweep of the two Group 1 features at Wentworth Park on Saturday night with Circle of Dreams and Axel Footluce respective winners of the National Futurity and National Derby.

Heading into the National Futurity decider with an embarrassment of riches after annexing each of the three run-offs the Friday prior, it was Circle Of Dreams who landed the $75,000 first prize for the Anakie trainer, leading all-the-way to defeat a gallant Dam Slippery in 29.86.

Winner of the Group 2 Laurels at Sandown Park in December, Circle Of Dreams, a daughter of Barcia Bale and Mepunga Mia, took her record to eight wins from the 11 appearances, now with prizemoney of $162,500.

Britton also claimed third in the bitches' classic with fastest qualifier Oakvale Magic, the daughter of High Earner continuing her terrific recent form.

In a rough and tumble National Derby Final later in the night, it was the Britton-trained Axel Footluce that claimed the $75,000 winner's purse, the son of Kinloch Brae finishing strongly along the rails to stave off a flashing Feral Franky in 30.35 – the time indicative of a race that changed complexion heading through first turn.

Looking all set to lead after showing plenty of dash and assuming a clear advantage past the winning post, the Jason Fletcher-trained Fantastic Yankee appeared ready to jet off with the boys-only age restricted feature, only to be dragged down and spat out the back, ultimately falling.

From there it was survival of the fittest, with the backwash from that interference causing havoc with the field and outcome of the race.

Saturday night's National Derby triumph was Jeff Britton's second, landing the event back in 2004 with Pacific Sky.