Trainer Mark Walker will have a two-pronged attack on the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday, headed by last start Listed 3YO Geelong Classic (2200m) winner Azazel (NZ) (Shocking), with lightly-tried McWoody (Alabama Express) also making the field.
A son of Shocking, Azazel is expected to be suited by the stiff staying test and he has come through his exertions last week at Geelong in good order.
“He’s pulled up really well. He’s a very fit horse, and everything’s gone really well with his prep,” Walker told SEN.
“We just had a hiccup with the wind, and the races were delayed a day at Geelong, otherwise, it’s been a really good preparation.
“I don’t think the 2500m will pose any problems, if any horse could get it on pedigree, it’s him, and just the way he races, I’ve got no doubts he’ll get it.
“Obviously, that Godolphin horse (Observer) will be awfully hard to beat. He was very impressive the other day, that’s for sure.”
Azazel is rated a $23 chance while McWoody is a $61 chance after his close-up fifth in a sedately run Gr.3 Caulfield Classic (2000m).
Te Akau Racing have previously shone on Derby Day, where star mare Melody Belle won the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) in 2019 under the watch of Jamie Richards.
The Trans-Tasman operation will be represented by Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) this year, with the Mark Walker-trained daughter of Savabeel entering off a luckless run in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) when going to the line for an untouched under Jamie Melham for sixth.
Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Damask Rose will be gunning for her first Group One victory and crucially has ace jockey Blake Shinn back aboard, with the hoop previously riding the mare to success in both the Listed Karaka Millions 3YO Classic (1600m) and the inaugural Listed $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie earlier this year.
“Everywhere we went in the Toorak, we had no luck, it was no fault of Jamie’s whatsoever,” Walker said.
“She had horses outside her, inside her, in front of her, and you can’t jump over them. So we just went to the line and didn’t have a run.
“Leica Lucy is second or third favourite, we would have been right up where she was at least if we had got a run.
“I think the key is that Blake Shinn’s got a great record on her. He’s got confidence in her and he worked her on Tuesday. We deserve a bit of luck, but from barrier 9 we’re not going to get locked away in there.”
With the Trelawney Stud-bred Pride of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) likely to dictate and ensure some testing sectionals, Walker is not concerned about the shape of the race for Damask Rose. “I think it will be run at a genuine tempo, and we won’t be the one dragging the field up to Pride of Jenni that’s for sure,” he said. Blake’s riding in a rich vein of form and I think he’ll have it worked out pretty well.”