Racing: Kiwi Derby hopes suffer in draw

Two of New Zealand's best chances fared badly in yesterday's live draw for the group one Emirates Singapore Derby to be run at Kranji racecourse tomorrow.

Highly rated O'Reilly gelding Big Maverick drew 19, but will come in three places in the full field.

He is champion trainer Laurie Laxon's only entry in the race and will be ridden by former top Melbourne horseman Brett Prebble, who jets in from Hong Kong to take the mount.

The smart galloper Imperial Green, by Senor Pete, is trained by Stephen Gray. He has drawn 15 in the S$850,000 ($925,000) classic to be run over 2000m.

Favourite for the feature is almost certain to be Jolie's Shinju, who is the only mare in the race.

Bred in Japan, she has won both legs of the Singapore Triple Crown, including a trouncing of a quality field in the Derby Trial.

She will be ridden by former Australian jockey Ron Stewart, who is the in-form rider in Singapore after a slow start to the season.

Other strong chances in the glamour event include last-start winner Win In and consistent Subordinate.

Meanwhile, Singapore hopeful Hear Me, a 4-year-old by New Zealand sire Van Nistelrooy, is the only raced newcomer at Kranji's double-header weekend meeting.

Racing in Australia under the name of Bombay Diamond, he won twice and was placed six times from 11 starts.