The New Zealand Derby traces its roots back to 1860 with icons such as Bonecrusher, Gloaming, Nightmarch and Kindergarten all claiming the famous Ellerslie Classic. Another three-year-old will etch their name into equine immortality on Saturday when the latest edition of the Derby is run over 2400 metres.
1. That’s Gold
Chris Wood gelding who has been in scintillating form, winning the Group 2 Avondale Guineas when sitting wide and kicking clear while running the fastest last 200m. Has a superb record on top of the ground and the step to 2400m looks ideal. Clear top selection.
2. Aksil
Alexander visitor who was less than impressive at his first run beyond a mile when sixth in the Avondale Guineas. Struggled over the final 400m with ordinary sectionals and looks unlikely to appreciate the further rise in distance.
3. Road To Paris
Roger James has won the Derby six times and saddles three runners here, led by the progressive Road To Paris. Ran the second fastest last 600m when second in the Avondale Guineas and shapes as a genuine threat. Awkward draw the obvious concern.
4. Towering Vision
Failed to beat a runner home in the Avondale Guineas when nearly 12 lengths off the winner. Had been racing well prior when stepping out to a mile and beyond. Can be forgiven for the last start failure but still needs improvement.
5. Geneva
Son of Time Test who has been tried at black type level five times without placing. Concussion plates suggest foot issues and he has yet to place on good ground if the track improves. Too much against.
6. Yamato Satona
Colt with the credentials to measure up, trained by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott who chase their third Derby in the last six years. Placed in the Waikato Guineas and has been racing consistently but may prefer softer conditions.
7. Magic Carpet
Stephen Marsh runner who has not fired a shot since winning the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas last September. Has not gone close in two runs beyond a mile and difficult to make a case.
8. Tulsa King
Placed in the Gingernuts two starts back when running the second quickest final 400m. Did enough in the Wairoa Cup against older horses when fifth, producing the fastest last 400m. Likely to start over the odds.
9. Genki
Maiden with just a single placing from six starts, although that placing came at big odds in the Avondale Guineas. Clearly an out-and-out stayer but has not shown enough yet.
10. Sweet Ice
Honest galloper who appears out of his depth in a Derby. Finished midfield in the Karaka Million 3YO and ran respectably in the Waikato Guineas before being well beaten in the Avondale Guineas. Wide draw adds to the challenge.
11. Halo’s Fire
Mark Forbes gelding who stuck on reasonably when midfield in the Avondale Guineas. Sectionals were moderate though and he failed to win in benchmark 65 grade the run prior. Hard to entertain.
12. Lunaman
Debuted in January with a maiden win and has progressed steadily since. Best run came when fifth in the Waikato Guineas and he produced the fastest 800m, 600m and 400m splits in the Avondale Guineas off a slow tempo. Must include in exotics.
13. Wigmore
Long odds and understandably so. Soundly beaten in restricted grade last start and had no excuses when beaten at Waverley two runs back despite strong market support.
14. Taylor Square
One of the more experienced runners but still with just the one win to his name. Has been finishing midfield in recent runs and looks unlikely to trouble the leading chances.
15. Autumn Glory
Talented filly who won the Waikato Guineas before having no luck in the New Zealand Oaks when held up at a crucial stage. No match for the winner but produced sharp sectionals. Attempting to emulate Orchestral by backing up against the colts.
WATCH: Autumn Glory in the Oaks
16. Ariadne
Filly who finished fourth in the New Zealand Oaks. Racing consistently but difficult to argue she has a stronger chance than fellow filly Autumn Glory. Others look to have her measure.
Selections
1 That’s Gold
8 Tulsa King
15 Autumn Glory
12 Lunaman
