Racing: Hong Kong syndicate grabs Derby contender

Strong $2.2 million Telecom Derby contender Corporal Jones has had a change of ownership.

GKV Holdings Ltd retains a share in the impressive 3-year-old with Hong Kong Trainers' Syndicate 2009/2010 coming on board.

It is understood that after the Derby Corporal Jones will be transferred to Paul O'Sullivan's Hong Kong stable.

Corporal Jones is a leading chance in today's $85,000 NZ Equine Veterinarians Championship Stakes at Ellerslie after his stylish second to class filly Zarzuela in the Waikato Guineas last start.

Waverley trainer Kevin Gray wasn't taking any chances with King Raedwald in the same race.

Gray sent the impressive colt on a float trip from the Central Districts leaving at 1.45am yesterday morning to avoid travelling through the heat of the day.

King Raedwald arrived in Auckland looking reasonably fresh at breakfast time.

Two starts back the slow track at Trentham upset King Raedwald, but he bounced right back with a ridiculously easy R80 win last time.

Hayden Tinsley continues his association with the colt today.

King Raedwald shares the fourth line of favouritism for the Derby on $12 with Katie Lee and Sirani.

Zarzuela is the $2.80 Derby favourite ahead of Monaco Consul at $5 and Corporal Jones at $10.

No surprise that Passchendaele is the $1 million Stella Artois Auckland Cup favourite at $3.