Racing: Kiwi team doubles for A$2m Australian Derby

By Michael Guerin

NZ Herald·

2 Apr, 2019 04:00 PM4 mins to read

The Chosen One wins the Manawatu Classic on last Saturday. Photo / Race Images

Then there were six.

The New Zealand team for the A$2 million Australian Derby doubled in size yesterday when the three already confirmed runners were joined by In A Twinkling, Platinum Invador and The Chosen One, meaning a third of the field for the classic will be trained here.

The inclusion of In A Twinkling and Platinum Invador isn't a surprise as both were already in Sydney, where they performed below their best in the Tulloch at Rosehill on Saturday, creating the uncertainty over their Derby starts.

But trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman had no issues booking a berth for Saturday's Awapuni winner The Chosen One after he showed no ill effects from his run and he will join stablemate Madison County in the Derby.

While four of the Kiwis are going into the Derby in top form and In A Twinkling's run for fifth was far from disastrous, Platinum Invador's trainer Lisa Latta admits she is hopeful rather than confident after he finished second last in the Tulloch.

"It definitely knocked our confidence, we know it is hard to turn a horse around 15 lengths in a week," said Latta.

"But we had blood tests taken and they were fine and we think a couple of things this week should suit him better.

"Maybe he was ridden a bit closer to the speed than he likes last Saturday and obviously the track was very heavy.

"So on a better, bigger track at Randwick being ridden back in the field we are hoping to see something more like his best."

One of the north's hardest-working jockeys in Jonathan Riddell will take the reins this Saturday, having his first ride in Australia in three years.

Latta will most likely decide today whether New Zealand Oaks winner Sentimental Miss also heads to Sydney for the A$1 million ATC Oaks on Saturday week.

"The trip is still very possible but we are waiting to see what we think the track conditions will be like.

"We wouldn't go if they were likely to be firm or heading that way but we know she can handle the wet so if it looks like the rain might stick around she is likely to go."

One horse Latta was hoping to take to Australia has already gone without her, with stable favourite Five To Midnight having joined the Patrick Payne stable in Victoria.

"I'm disappointed to see him go and was hoping to take him to Queensland this winter but he has already left," said Latta.