Racing: Platinum Invador looks to Oz

Platinum Invador. Photo / Race Images

The Lisa Latta-trained Platinum Invador ran on well to finish third in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday and his connections have now shifted their focus towards Australia with their gelding.

The Awapuni galloper pleased Latta with the result, particularly after his hard lead-up into the race.

"It was a really good run and a big effort for the horse to back-up three times in two weeks, with two trips to Auckland," she said.

"He went straight to the paddock on Sunday, for a week. We are thinking of the Australian Derby (Gr.1, 2400m), we obviously want to give him a week off and get him back into the stable and see how he has come through (the race)."

Latta said he could potentially contest the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) as a lead in to the Australian Derby, but will wait until he returns to her stable before finalising a decision.

"He may head to the Tulloch (Gr.2, 2000m) because we know he can back up a week later," Latta said. "We will make a decision next week.

"Earlier in the season I didn't think he would get to the Derby, but he's just gone forward in the right direction," she said.

Meanwhile, Latta is looking forward to lining up Five to Midnight in the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Latta said the six-year-old gelding has pulled up well after his placing in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) last month and believes he will benefit from the set weights and penalties conditions of the race. "It will be the lightest weight (56kg) he has carried in a very long time."

- NZ Racing Desk