Capital Gain’s Derby target
QUEENSLAND’S newest Group 1 winner will be given an extended spell as trainer Paul Butterworth plots a longterm ATC Derby campaign for Capital Gain.
Butterworth said he was still coming to terms with his J.J. Atkins success at Doomben on Saturday .
“It’s hard to put into words,’’ the Brisbane trainer said.
‘‘It definitely hasn’t sunk in. I’m sure it will hit me soon enough but I’m off to Gatton and it’s back to reality pretty quick.
“When you pick them out and buy them, they become part of your family.
“You put so much effort into it and to see it come to fruition was so satisfying.
“Hopefully it can attract some new clients to the stable and some better horses.”
Jockey Jim Byrne revealed there was a scare early in the race when Capital Gain briefly thought of taking a detour.
“He tried to duck up the chute at the 1350m. There was a little bit of a scrimmage and all of a sudden he’s looked at the 1350m chute and tried to go down there,’’ Byrne said.
Butterworth said Capital Gain had earnt a good break after being in work for a long time and that’s why he was thinking longer term with the gelding.
“Since he first started he’s only had nine days off,” he said. “I would say the Sydney Derby (next autumn) is the logical option.
‘‘Melbourne’s just going to come too quick.
‘‘He will probably have three or four months in the paddock and then we will wind him up for Sydney.”
Capital Gain’s big team of owners knocked back a $700,000 offer last week and Butterworth expects them to resist any new attempts to buy him as well.
“I’m pretty sure we will get some more offers but speaking to the owners (Saturday) night, I’m pretty sure he will be staying,” the trainer said.
“Everyone wants to enjoy the ride.”
DALE Monteith’s review of the Eagle Farm racetrack will begin today and the respected Victorian administrator has vowed to look at every possible scenario to ensure Eagle Farm returns to its former glory.
Monteith said he had a time frame of three weeks to complete his report.