Warrior is now up to speed
WESLEY VALE trainer Glenn Stevenson wants the Tasmanian Derby to be run at a genuine speed, so he will be instructing the rider of his candidate, Turk Warrior, to make sure of that outcome in the $150,000 staying event over 2200 metres at Elwick on Sunday.
A field of 11 will contest the Derby of which five are from interstate. Turk Warrior hasn’t won this preparation, but Stevenson has always said the gelded son of Mawingo was bred to stay and he has shown enough at his three runs this time in to suggest he will be suited by the trip.
“I’ve said all along Turk Warrior is a potential stayer and he’s done nothing to change my mind this preparation,” Stevenson said.
Turk Warrior has drawn barrier one in the Derby and that has played into Stevenson’s hand.
“From the inside gate my horse can go forward and he can lead or sit outside the lead, but whatever the case, we can ensure the pace is solid and the race won’t be run at a hacking tempo like the Launceston Guineas (2100m) two weeks ago,” he said. “I want it to be a true staying test in the Derby and that way the best stayer should win the race, and I’m
banking on my horse that role.”
Bookmakers have installed star local three-year-old Swoop Dog, from the John Blacker stable, the $1.65 favourite, a ridiculous price given the presence of five interstate raiders, of which four have won over the Derby trip or beyond. Turk Warrior has been installed an outsider at $41. filling
Swoop Dog has impressed in winning the Tasmanian Guineas (1600m) and Launceston Guineas over 2100m.
But the Caron Mahertrained Explosive Jack $6) is a last-start winner over 2400m while the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable has two entries in Alloway ($5.50) and Bury Road and both have been tried over 2000 metres
with Bury Road ($12) a laststart winner over 2040m. The Matthew Ellerton and Mark Zahra stable has Cranbourne Maiden (1600m) winner Pepper’s Ghost ($27) engaged and he too has teen touted as a promising stayer, while the Amy and Ash Yargi-trained Mystery Bad Guy ($27) is the longest-priced of the interstate contingent.