By MIKE DILLON
If you think greenness could cost Danamite the $350,000 Mercedes Derby, you need to talk to trainer Roger James.
James does not blame Danamite at all for the erratic path the smart 3-year-old took in the closing stages of winning Saturday's $350,000 Auto Auctions Avondale Guineas.
For certain Danamite will learn a lot from the race - it was only his fifth race appearance - but James believes there were realistic contributing factors to his running off a straight line.
"Vinny [rider Vinny Colgan] said he was running reasonably truly in the straight when he spotted the club's trailer inside the runing rail at the point in the straight where the 2000m start is made."
James said it is not the first time a horse of his has done that.
"Deune had a race shot to bits here last season when she spotted the trailer and Vinny said when he won on The Rock here on Wednesday, it did the same thing.
"I must go and mention it to someone ... "
In keeping with the way 3-year-old stayers develop almost on a daily basis at this time of the year, Danamite took a quantum leap towards Derby honours on Saturday.
He might look lanky and underdeveloped, but James is unconcerned.
"He's the biggest feeder in my stable, so he's going to cope with the Derby preparation.
"He's got a lovely attitude and I think he'll improve a fair bit with that race."
When he first ran Danamite along James told his owners he thought he had a 2000 Guineas horse on his hands.
A little further on he said: "Bear with me, I think this could be a Derby horse."
When rain spoiled the parade for the planned Waikato Guineas, James switched instead to the 2000 Guineas after all and says now the trip to Christchurch has been the makings of Danamite as a horse.
No one argued he was a Derby horse on Saturday.
"I don't think any of those who finished behind him can beat him in the Derby, although there are a few others to come into the race who weren't here today," said James.
Colgan and James both felt Danamite got to the lead too early in the home straight, something Colgan will be keen to avoid in the more gruelling Derby.
Deebee Belle confirmed the high opinion held of her by finishing second.
Although she may not have tested the winner, the margin may have been tightened had she not overreacted to Danamite moving off his line.
"She was a bit tentative to go forward when the winner moved as a result of her fall at Ellerslie last week," said rider Leith Innes.
Noel Harris liked the run of fifth-placed Chablis, a top effort for a maiden.
"He had no luck in the home straight and if he'd got a clear run he'd have been in the money."
Racing: Honours in Derby look on cards
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