Kyneton trainer Neil Dyer is a regular visitor to the Top End and he has notched another Northern Territory Derby (2000m) victory with Royal Request.

Royal Request (3g Bel Esprit – Nassidarra by Nassipour) was runner-up to Gravitational (Astronomer Royal) in the Darwin Guineas a fortnight ago but turned the tables to win by two lengths on Saturday.

Both three year-olds are by sires based at Eliza Park International.  And Dyer’s first NT Derby winner in 2009 was Hawks Bay – a son of former Eliza Park shuttler Black Hawk.

“Royal Request went enormous from the outside barrier when second in the Guineas,” Dyer said.  “He’s a lovely horse and it’s exciting to see what he’s doing for us this preparation.”

Dyer trains him for a syndicate that includes Rory Crowley, Leanne Evans, Peter Gill, Peter & Ray Greene, Anita Morris, Cameron Newnham, Richard Palmer, David Pettman, Antonio Sanfilippo, Nathan Scotton, Kerry & Patricia Slingsby.

Royal Request is from a half-sister to the dam of Sydney Group winners Fickle Hostess and Zabarra (Zabeel).  Second-dam Vaindarra (Vain) was a Group 2 winner of the a Silver Slipper Stakes.  He was bred and sold for $60,000 by Erinvale Investments at the 2012 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale.

He has a rising 2yo half-brother by former Eliza Park stallion Shinzig.

Bel Esprit has dominated Victorian premierships since 2007-08 and he’s on track for another title this season with 152 winners of $5.38 million.  Reset is next best on $4.58 million.

Bel Esprit (Royal Academy) will stand for a $24,200 (inc gst) service fee at Eliza Park International this year.