Racing: Darci's a star for Walker

Michael Walker licked a finger and raised it in the air.

That was the reaction from the top jockey after star colt Darci Brahma justified his hot favouritism to win the Group One $100,000 Otaki-Maori Weight-For-Age (1600m) at Otaki yesterday.

Darci Brahma now heads to Melbourne for the $A750,000 Australian Guineas (1600m) for 3-year-olds at Flemington on March 11.

Syndicate manager David Ellis said the horse would be flown across the Tasman on the Wednesday or Thursday before the race.

Ellis said no decision had been made on a rider for Melbourne.

Walker would not comment but it does seem likely he would retain the mount as long as he gains a clearance to ride in Melbourne.

Victoria's chairman of stewards, Des Gleeson, said last week he was concerned about comments Walker made in a television interview about his use of cocaine while riding in Melbourne in 2004.

Darci Brahma scored by three-quarters of a length but Walker said he could easily do better.

"If he wanted to, he could destroy them," Walker said.

Kristov, who beat Darci Brahma in the 1400m Waikato Sprint at his previous start, set the pace again yesterday. He did not give in easily but Darci Brahma asserted his authority. A distant third was Penitentiary. Walker rated Willy Smith the most promising stayer racing in New Zealand.

Willy Smith justified his short odds of $2.45 to win the $30,000 Kia Kaha St Leger Trial (2100m).

Willy Smith is trained at Cambridge by Mark Todd. He returns south for the $50,000 NZ St Leger (2500m) on March 18.

Second yesterday was Final Reality. A long neck away were the dead heaters Nitty Gritty and Sunrize.

- NZPA