Sydney likely for Gingernuts
The Kiwi invasion for Sydney’s rich autumn three-year-old classics is strengthening by the day.
The chances of New Zealand Derby winner Gingernuts lining up in the Australian Derby are improving, according to connections, while Sacred Elixir is also a possibility.
‘‘He has come through the race unbelievably well,’’ Te Akau principal David Ellis said of Gingernuts.
’’We’re giving very strong consideration to the Rosehill Guineas and then the derby. He’s a really happy horse and we’re leaning that way.’’
The winner of four of his seven starts for trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, Gingernuts was an impressive winner of the Avondale Guineas and produced another commanding performance to claim NZ Derby honours on Saturday.
His camp had been pondering a Queensland campaign in the winter and a decision on about Sydney is due on Friday.
The A$2 million Australian Derby is run at Randwick on April 1 and another possible Kiwi runner is iron horse Sacred Elixir, who finished strongly for fifth in the NZ Derby.
Trainer Tony Pike has successfully campaigned the son of Pour Moi in Brisbane and Melbourne and he is now looking at Sydney.
‘‘He pulled up very well, he’s improving and his sectionals were very good,’’ he said. ‘‘He got back in a slowly run race and he’s heading in the right direction.
‘‘We’ll look at the ATC Derby. We’re keeping our options open and whether he runs in the Rosehill Guineas has yet to be decided.’’
Rising Red, who finished second to Gingernuts on Saturday, is also headed for the Australian Derby.
‘‘He’ll be in Sydney, he’ll be in Brisbane, he’ll be everywhere they are only three once,’’ cotrainer Trent Busuttin said.
‘‘Whether we run in the Rosehill Guineas or not, we’ll see see if he needs it. But he’ll certainly be running in the derby all going well.’’
Rising Red was gallant in defeat at Ellerslie where he was forced to cover extra ground from a wide gate.
‘‘The barrier beat him, it is as simple as that,’’ said Busuttin, who trains with his partner Natalie Young.
Lincoln Blue, who disgraced himself by bucking just after leaving the starting gates in the derby, may also be headed for Sydney.
‘‘It was very disappointing and we don’t know what caused that, we’re still guessing,’’ trainer Lisa Latta said.
‘‘We’re looking at Sydney for him and he may transfer to another stable, we’re looking at all the options at the moment.’’
Meanwhile, the Group I Coolmore Classic has been confirmed as La Bella Diosa’s next start.
Her owners have decided to run the Rangiora-trained filly in the Coolmore at Rosehill on Saturday, rather than the Group III Kembla Grange Classic on Friday. Jay Ford will ride her. La Bella Diosa’s main autumn aim is the $A1 million ATC Oaks at Randwick on April 8.
That is also the target for the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Eleonora, but both fillies are expected to clash in the A$500,000 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 25 first.
- NZ Racing Desk