Monday, 20 April 2009: Talented three-year-old Larry's Never Late got his South Australian Derby campaign back on track with a comprehensive win in Sunday's Hamilton Cup.
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Rebel Raider wins the Victoria Derby.
Photo by Racing and Sports | |
The stoutly bred gelding, prepared by Rod Douglas, was disappointing at his previous run and instead of running in the traditional SA Derby lead-up on Saturday – the Listed Chairman's Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville – tackled the Hamilton Cup over 2200m.
There, ridden by Glen Boss, he saved ground on the inside as the field scouted wide and cruised to win by over two lengths, with his rider declaring he could have won by 10.
Douglas put the last start failure of Larry's Never Late at Caulfield down to swallowing his tongue and was thrilled to see him back to form against older horses yesterday, as he believes the 2500m is ideal for the son of Pentire.
The gelding was sixth in last year's Victoria Derby, with Douglas believing his immaturity told at the finish when seven lengths from Rebel Raider.
He will now have his re-match with that galloper in a fortnight in the Group 1 SA Derby (2500m) at Morphettville, after Rebel Raider won the Chairman's Stakes over the weekend.
The Leon Macdonald-trained colt showed little of his Victoria Derby win in Sydney during the autumn carnival but back on his home turf on Saturday cruised to an impressive win.
After settling back he quickly strode up and took over, going on for a two length win.
He will now step up 500m to the SA Derby on May 2 but will be even better over the longer journey according to a relieved Macdonald.
“He just wasn't stretching out in Sydney where he was put under pressure on the point of the turn,” Macdonald said.
“Since he got back his work has been good but he still had to show it on the track.”
Rebel Raider
has now firmed to the $2.80 favourite for the SA Derby, while Larry's Never Late is the second pick at $3.80.
