Racehorse TALK

Cummings strengthens Derby hold

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Bart Cummings has strengthened his hold on the Queensland Derby with Sirmione who raced into contention with victory in the Grand Prix Stakes.

Sirmione's stablemate Empires Choice has been favourite for the past week after his win in the Rough Habit Plate and retains his position at $4.80 with TAB Sportsbet.

The master trainer predicted after Empires Choice won that his main opposition was likely to be Sirmione who is now into $5.50 third favouritism with Queensland Oaks winner Eskimo Queen splitting the pair at $5.

Trainer Mike Moroney said he would monitor Eskimo Queen over the next couple of days but saw no reason why she could not back up in the Derby (2400m) after her dominant win in Saturday's Group One feature for fillies.

Empires Choice is by supersire Redoute's Choice out of Rosie's Star, a daughter of 1988 Melbourne Cup winner Empire Rose while Sirmione is by Encosta De Lago out of World Guide whose only racetrack win was a 1200m maiden at Queanbeyan.

Cummings, who is chasing his second Queensland Derby winner in 30 years, would not be drawn into comparisons between the pair on Saturday.

"All I do is get them fit, I'll let the experts work out who is the better hope," Cummings said.

Cummings' only other Queensland Derby winner came when Bottled Sunshine took out the Group One Classic in 1975.

"Both horses are coming right at the right time," Cummings said.

Confidently ridden by Michael Rodd in the 2100m Grand Prix, Sirmione was spotting the leaders more than 10 lengths passing the 600m but the striking gelding put paid to the opposition in a few strides in the straight.

Well supported to start the $1.95 favourite, Sirmione went to the line untouched to beat Gold Coast galloper My Centurion ($16) by three lengths with the Peter Moody-trained Currigee ($9) another three-quarters of a length third.

Eskimo Queen was equally impressive in the Oaks, striding to the line 3-1/2 lengths clear of Doug's Mate with Rose Of Sharon a short head third.

"We've paid up for the Derby and are keen to go there," Moroney said.

"When you have got a filly who has won as comprehensively as she did, you's got to take on the colts.

"We'll monitor her over the next couple of days to make sure she is okay."

The last filly to win the Queensland Derby was Camarena in 1999 but she did not contest the Oaks.

Moroney's other Derby runner will be Resolution who ran 3-3/4 lengths sixth in the Rough Habit Plate and was at $21 on Sunday.

Latest betting on the Group One Queensland Derby(2400m) at Eagle Farm from TAB Sportsbet:

4.80 Empires Choice

5.00 Eskimo Queen

5.50 Sirmione

6.00 Sands Of Time

6.50 Fort `N Won

8.00 Prince Of Truth, Theseo

21.00 King Of The Nile, Resolution

26.00 Danzibaa, Lasoron

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I am sticking with Theseo, he beat the older horses will race prominent and be to strong, lots of rain coming though , so i may have to rethink selections  :P