Jukebox to tune up for Derby Day

JUKEBOX will start the favourite in today’s Blue Sapphire at Caulfield, but his true grand final awaits at Flemington on Derby Day.

The Aaron Purcell-trained three-year-old is primed for his first run since he placed second in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes to Catchy at Flemington on September 16.

Purcell said that the 1200m Group 1 Coolmore on November 4 was the end game for the Snitzel colt, who is destined to head for stud.

“Very good is probably what he is,” Purcell said yesterday.

“I’d expect him to be very hard to beat. Then the Coolmore on Derby Day is his grand final.

“All going well, he can win those two and earn his spot in a stud somewhere. That’s all he needs to do – no pressure on him or anything.”

Jukebox’s stablemate Merchant Navy has been freshened since his disappointing 10th in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 23.

Purcell said the Fastnet Rock colt would be sent straight to the Coolmore, rather than first having a run in the Blue Sapphire.

“We thought because he’s dropping back in trip, having him fresher for the Coolmore would be the better approach,” he said.