Racing: Banchee headed for Derby

Banchee will contest the Derby. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Banchee has had a switch of direction and is being aimed at the $2.2 million Telecom Derby on March 5.

The high-class filly will now have her first start beyond 1600m in the 2100m $85,000 Avondale Guineas at Ellerslie on Saturday week.

Trainer John Sargent said owners Peter and Philip Vela made the $4703 second withdrawal payment close to the 11am deadline on Tuesday.

"It was left to the last minute," said Sargent.

"The boys had to make the choice between the Derby and Sydney's Coolmore Classic.

"Peter decided on the Derby because the filly's form at Ellerslie has been so good."

Banchee might go into the Avondale Guineas as almost the only Derby contender to have not raced past 1600m, but all through her racing she has produced remarkable finishes from seemingly impossible rearward positions.

Her recent Ellerslie wins in the Cambridge Stud Yearling Draft 1600 and $200,000 NZ Bloodstock Insurance 3YO Mile are wonderful examples of that.

The second of those wins last Sunday week was remarkable not only because of where Banchee came from in running, but because of the ease of the victory.

"She relaxes in her races, so it makes it easy for her to finish powerfully," said Sargent.

He said that taking on Jimmy Choux in the Derby and possibly in the Avondale Guineas, is a daunting thought. "Isn't he some sort of a horse?

"He jogged in the other day [Waikato Guineas].

"We beat him though by a head and a nose in the Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie last season, although he's improved since then, but, then, so have we."

Sargent said Banchee, who hit a flat spot in the spring, has, like Jimmy Choux, got better with each race this preparation.

"She's improving all the time. A real box of birds, I couldn't be happier."

James McDonald will ride Banchee. He is contracted to the Velas and a new Derby rider is needed for Hidden Asset.