Cliff Brown’s pair of emerging kiwi stayers Scintillante (NZ) (Savabeel) and Rogan (NZ) (Super Seth) will get the chance to show off their staying prowess in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Both three-year-olds geldings haven’t started since May 3 when Rogan won over 2000 metres at Caufield against his own age and Scintillante finished fourth in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby behind Femminile.
Although both are at big odds in the betting, Brown is buoyant about their prospects saying they are talented stayers.
“Both are in good form, and I think they will be suited by the 2400 metres,” Brown said.
Brown said Scintillante’s fourth in the South Australian Derby was an excellent run.
“I thought his Derby run was excellent and he’ll be improved for having a run over that distance. Billy Egan was happy with him, and he stays on. It was a bit of a stop-start race, and he closed off late,” he said.
Brown said Rogan had always give the indication to him that he wanted 2400 metres.
“I think he’s always wanted it. He’s quite a dour horse, and I thought his effort to finish off like that over 2000 metres was excellent,” he said,
Rogan will be ridden by Chad Schofield in the Queensland Derby.
Brown is chasing his first win in the race. His best result was in 2000 when Citra’s Prince finished second to Freemason.