Feature race for Joe’s Legacy

‘‘He’s got form on rain-affected tracks, but he will be better on top of the ground.’’ part-owner/trainer Jason Price

Lightly-tried Matamata galloper Joe’s Legacy has earned himself a shot at the big time.

A strong effort against the older horses last time at Ellerslie has prompted the Guillotine gelding’s connections to give the green light to a tilt at Saturday’s Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m).

Joe’s Legacy ran second on debut in January before he went one better at Matamata and then finished third over 2100m.

‘‘He didn’t get a lot of luck from the 800m to home,’’ partowner and trainer Jason Price said. ‘‘He got parked wide and he stuck on pretty well so he deserves his chance in the Derby.

‘‘He probably should have finished second so it was a good, solid run. He stepped up from a midweek maiden to the Rating 65 grade, it was encouraging and he’s done well since.

‘‘He’s been bouncing around the paddock. He’s got form on rain-affected tracks, but he will be better on top of the ground. Alysha (Collett) said he’s been getting through the bad ground on class alone.’’

Meanwhile, stablemate Flaunt It Girl’s two-year-old campaign is over following her trip to New Plymouth where she was unplaced in the Gr.3 Phoenix Park Classic (1200m) after a chequered run.

‘‘We were happy with her under the circumstances, but she pulled up a bit average so we’ve put her out for the season,’’ Price said.

‘‘She’ll come back for the early three-year-old fillies’ races and we think she’s going to be competitive in them.’’

Flaunt It Girl placed twice from six appearances.