Merlin secured his first Group 1 win when victorious in the Northern Derby at Alexandra Park on Friday night.
Coming into the race as a hot favourite, Merlin did not disappoint his supporters.
The son of Art Major was given a brilliant drive by Zachary Butcher and when he was asked to go, he sprinted sharply to win over Son Of Mac and Sinbad.
It was his 10th win from 13 starts and takes his earnings to $383,714.
Bred by Taffy Limited, Merlin is out of the Bettors Delight mare Imaginary Bet and descends from the famed Scuse Me family.
He was a $120,000 yearling purchase by Montana Park and is trained by Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan.
Art Major has and continues to be an incredible stallion.
Merlin is Art Major’s 71st Group 1 winner.
Watch Merlin win the Group 1 Northern Derby