Derulo can deliver more

CANNON Park horseman Rodney Miller thinks the best is still yet to come with undefeated two-year-old Derulo.

The former Aquis Park gelding was green as they come winning on debut at Cairns Jockey Club earlier this year by almost seven lengths.

A short spell in the paddock, a little more education from Miller and stable rider Scott Gittos and the blinkers being added for Saturday’s second career effort at Townsville’s Cluden Park had the impressive youngster’s mind on the job as he made it two from two.

The step up from 950m to 1200m was the question mark leading into Saturday’s QTIS Two-years-old Handicap and while Derulo got a little tired in the closing stages, leading hoop Bonnie Thomson put enough space between herself and the field on the turn that they could not be run down.

Miller has thought the brown gelding, by Spill The

Beans from Tiptoe, was a lovely horse since the day he walked into his stable from the Gold Coast, where he never had an official trial before being sold.

“He is becoming a really nice horse and there is still a bit to go yet,” Miller said.

“He will improve on again.

“He trialled ordinary here the other day and I was really disappointed with him.

“I considered tipping him out after that, but I think he is that more relaxed now and the blinkers really sharpened him up.

“I did not want to put the blinkers on until yesterday but they sharpened him right up.

“The best is still yet to come and we are really happy with him as we have brought him through the whole way.”

Derulo’s triumph continues the hot streak of local owner Brian Jorgensen, who had Inquiry claim a Listed race in Brisbane just seven days prior.

“He is a good little horse, blinkers are the go and the fence I think, we will have some fun with him,” Thomson said.

The plan is now for Derulo to be set for the $35,000 Magic Millions Daintree 3YO Guineas QTIS Handicap 1250m on Cairns Cup Day late next month.

Meanwhile, Roy Chillemi’s Love Is Blind showed a sharp return to form in a slashing victory in the QTIS ThreeYears-old Handicap (1300m) on Saturday at Townsville.

Lugged with massive weights of late in his own age group, Love Is Blind collected his first win in his last five trips to the races, after previously winning on six occasions earlier in his career.

FNQ results on Saturday at Cluden

Derulo for Rodney Miller. Love is Blind for Roy Chillemi.

Local riders Krysten Swaffer and Wanderson D’avila also piloted winners.