Weather pattern improves
NEW Zealand trainer Andrew Forsman believes Geelong Classic winner Weather With You has come right in time for the $1.5 million Victoria Derby.
Forsman trains in partnership with Murray Baker and the stable will rely on Weather With You in Saturday’s 2500m Classic at Flemington after deciding not to run Vin De Dance.
Vin De Dance was brought over from New Zealand earlier this month but Forsman said the Derby had come up too soon for the gelding.
He said Vin De Dance still raced greenly when fifth in the Group 2 Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday and instead is likely to run wearing blinkers in an 1800m Listed race on Thursday week at Flemington.
Weather With You has been in Melbourne since August but took a while to hit his straps.
He had blinkers applied for the Geelong Classic (2200m) and rose to be on the pace and win by a short neck.
“His first two runs were just OK and his third run was very frustrating and left us wondering where we were at with him,” Forsman said.
“But, obviously, the blinkers on, a good barrier draw and a good positive ride at Geelong made all the difference.
“From what I’ve seen of all the Derby candidates, he looks like he’s going to run the distance out as strongly as any.”