Redwood Shadow’s surprising Derby bid

WHOEVER runs in Saturday’s Victoria Derby has done well to even make it to the famous Flemington race.

The 2500m trip of the Victoria Derby is a tough test for immature three-year-olds. Plenty start the journey, but few make it to the $2 million event.

Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr’s contender Redwood Shadow is a case in point. Kent

Jr said the veteran of three starts has surprised the stable with his durability leading up to Saturday’s race.

“We had nine nominated and every run with these immature spring three-year-olds is a ‘fork in the road’ run where you either go to the paddock (to spell) or push on,” Kent Jr said. “We’ve got eight in the paddock and one left.

“He’s the one, and probably the one we least expected to get to the Derby.”

Redwood Shadow began his campaign with a pleasing third to talented stablemate Cambourne at Donald on September 4, before a soft maiden win at Ballarat on September 30.

The son of New Zealandbased stallion Redwood headed to Caulfield, where he just lost in the Group 3 Neds Classic (2000m) on October 17.

Kent Jr said every run was a Derby test for three-year-olds but Redwood Shadow continued to pass examination.

“It was always our plan to space his runs because he’s an immature Kiwi-bred that will be better in the autumn,” Kent Jr said.

“Every time we raise bar, he’s jumped over it.”

Kent Jr said running in the Caulfield race had suited Redwood Shadow’s preparation but he was vary the Moonee Valley Vase had produced plenty of Derby winners.

Redwood Shadow is an $11 chance in the Derby. the