WELLINGTON - Star New Zealand filly Hill of Grace is to take on the males in Saturday's $A2 million AJC Australian Derby at Randwick.
Trainer Robert Priscott had preferred to skip the Derby in favour of the $A700,000 AJC Oaks the following weekend, but owner Terry Jarvis opted instead for the Derby, which carries a $A1.26 million winner's cheque.
"I'm quite happy to run in the Derby if that's what the owner wants," said Priscott.
"I'm confident she will be competitive."
Hill Of Grace, a daughter of super sire Zabeel, finished second in the New Zealand Derby at Auckland on Boxing Day.
She has won the Moonee Valley Oaks and Ansett Australia Stakes on her current campaign.
- NZPA