The Derby at Ellerslie is one race every jockey wants to win.
We got the thoughts of the leading riders in this afternoon's $350,000 Mercedes Derby.
Noel Harris (Hail): "I've won the most big races in New Zealand, but the Derby has escaped me and I rate this horse possibly my best chance of winning. Clear Rose was a certainty beaten when she was knocked over and finished second and Hail is as strong a chance. I liked the way he handled the right-handed way round for the first time when he won the Derby Trial last week. I also liked the way he relaxed in running and the way he finished off. Danamite is the horse to beat, it looks like he's peaked at the right time. I was impressed with Tit For Taat when I won on him at Palmerston North, but whether he can see out the 2400m is a question."
Leith Innes (Deebee Belle): "Her work since she finished second in the Avondale Guineas has been very good. I feel the 2.5kg pull in the weights against the males will be a big help at the end of 2400m. You never know until you try it, but I feel the distance will not bother her. She's bred to run the distance and from No 7 gate hopefully she'll be somewhere near mid-field, one off the rail. Danamite looks the one to beat on his Avondale Guineas win."
Vinny Colgan (Danamite): "Danamite has improved a fair bit since he won the Avondale Guineas. His work this week has been excellent and he's going into the race a super-fit horse. There looks as though there could be a fair bit of early speed in the race and the horses drawn wide, of which we're one, may have to do some work to get across. But Danamite can race anywhere in a field, so I'm not worried. Sir Clive is a danger after sitting three wide in the Avondale Guineas and Tit For Taat will be interesting after not racing for a month."
Grant Cooksley (Sir Clive): "He has gone on the right way since the Avondale Guineas run. He blew a bit after I rode him in work on Thursday morning, but he has improved with that gallop. He cost himself when he was slow out of the gates at Avondale. I'll just let him find his own speed and settle where he wants to. He's probably better off settling back a bit. Danamite looks the danger on his Avondale Guineas win and the filly, Deebee Bell is a threat."
Hayden Tinsley (Tit For Taat): "I'm very happy with the barrier draw, which I saw as crucial. He drew No 8 and comes in a couple with scratchings. I have no set plan -I won't know that until after we've left the gates. I'll let him relax for the first three of four strides and see what the others are going to do. If they walk then I'll be happy to let him slide forward and lead. If they want to go crazy, well that's fine too. The three favourites Danamite, Hail and Sir Clive are the ones to beat."
Mark Sweeney (Lord Romar): "He's a big, hyperactive kid and gets excited, but he had a trip to the races last Sunday without racing to settle him. I think he's a good chance and it won't worry him if the track is on the dead side. He won well at Ellerslie last time and I'm sure he'll see out the distance. Danamite has to be dangerous and Sir Clive deserves to win a big race."
Racing: How the riders rate chances for Ellerslie Derby
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