Racing: Darci Brahma ride up for grabs

The ride on million-dollar colt Darci Brahma in next month's Cadbury Guineas in Melbourne remains unconfirmed after his first-up defeat on Saturday.

Matamata trainer Mark Walker said yesterday that it wouldn't be confirmed until after his next run in the group one weight-for-age 1600m at Otaki on February 25.

"No decision will be made until after Otaki. I'll sit down with the owners and discuss it then," Walker said.

Walker wouldn't say whether stable jockey Michael Walker was the leading contender, with several leading Australian riders likely to be also queuing for the mount.

Michael Walker came in for criticism for his ride in Saturday's group one Waikato Sprint (1400m) but the trainer was diplomatic.

"Hindsight's a wonderful thing. You've got a split second in a race to make a decision, and if Michael rode the race again, he'd probably be one spot closer."

Mark Walker said Darci Brahma had come through Saturday's race well and remained on track for the Guineas at Flemington on March 11.

"He made up many lengths on a horse [Kristov] that got a soft lead and kicked away, and he ran the quickest last 600m of the entire day. I don't think he could have done much more.

"He left a bit of feed on Saturday but he ate up Sunday night and he's as bright as a button."

Darci Brahma is currently a $4.50 second favourite for the Guineas on the New Zealand TAB, behind the Bart Cummings-trained Caulfield Guineas winner God's Own at $3.

- NZPA