KEY POINTS:
Nom Du Jeu will go straight into the AJC Derby without another run after his Cambridge trainer Murray Baker decided to bypass Saturday's Tulloch Stakes.
Baker had intended to start the Montjeu colt in the group two $140,000 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill but didn't pay up yesterday, avoiding a clash with stablemate Rios.
Nom Du Jeu was scratched from last Saturday's Rosehill Guineas due to an elevated temperature, but after some solid trackwork this week Baker felt his charge wouldn't need another start before the Derby at Randwick on April 26.
"I just thought a race this weekend might sting him a bit before the Derby," Baker said. "It won't worry him going straight to 2400m and he worked really well on Tuesday."
Being by top staying sire Montjeu, Baker also felt Nom Du Jeu was better with his races spaced.
A $31 derby chance, Nom Du Jeu ran fourth in last month's New Zealand Derby before a last-start second to Valpolicella in the Manawatu Classic on March 29.
Rios, who beat Alamosa to win the Wellington Guineas, drew well in barrier eight in an 18-horse field for the Tulloch.
Baker said Rios, to be ridden by top Melbourne rider Damien Oliver, would have to feature prominently on Saturday in his first start past 1600m to book a Derby start.
"We'd want him to be showing up to press on to such a strong race," Baker said.
"It is a very even group of 3-year-olds this year, but there's no Octagonal [former champion] in the field."
Auckland trainer Bruce Wallace will also start Grand Dancer in the Tulloch after his ninth placing against the older gallopers in the Ranvet Stakes on April 5.
Taranaki trainer John Wheeler's AJC Oaks hopeful Pentura drew barrier two in a field of 12 for the group one Arrowfield Stakes.
- NZPA
