The Derby dream that started at Thirsk in England will come to fruition with Accidental Bid at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Australian Bloodstock have wanted to find the right horse in England to win a Derby in Australia, and even though he will give his rivals six months in age, Accidental Bid might be that horse.
The imported three-year-old has won twice at Pakenham before missing out on a start in the South Australian Derby, when favourite but an emergency.
He went to Brisbane and after doing early work and sitting outside the lead in the Rough Habit Plate, he faded to run sixth to Kilman.
However, Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett said there is no doubt he will front for the 2400m Group 1 test.
“It looked like he dropped out a bit late, but John Allen got off him and was very positive,” Lovett said. “He said he is just already looking for the 2400m and couldn’t wait for the Derby.”
“He is an out and out stayer and we are going into next week with a bit of confidence.”
Accidental Bid remains a $7 chance for the Derby, where Chris Waller-trained Monopolistic and New Zealand stayer Solid Gold are $4.50 equal favourites.
Waller has a strong hand with Rough Habit winner Kilman at $11, and Providence at $5.
Accidental Bid could develop into a Cups contender for Australian Bloodstock, which is considering bringing Al Riffa back for the Melbourne Cup after his third in a blanket finish in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Longchamp on Thursday.
“If he had won that race, it would have counted him out of coming back to Melbourne because it was a Group 1,” Lovett said. “He will go to the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot next, and then we will decide whether to have a crack at an Arc or the Melbourne Cup.”
“He ran seventh in last year’s Cup, and it would depend on what weight he gets to if we come back again.”
