KEY POINTS:
Matamata trainer John Sargent walked away from Rosehill a happy trainer on Saturday after ensuring he had two solid chances in Sydney group one races in coming weeks.
Red Ruler mixed it with Australia's top three-year-olds with a close-up sixth in the group one Rosehill Guineas (2000m). while Young Centaur stamped his Sydney Cup claims with a third to The Chieftain in the Manion Cup (2400m).
Red Ruler settled well back on the inner but looked a chance of finishing in the money as jockey Craig Newitt searched for clear running in the straight, before finishing 1.8 lengths behind the winner Dealer Principal.
"He got back a bit further than I'd like but I was very happy with his run," trainer Sargent said.
"If he got a clear run down the outside it would have been better.
Newitt was likely to retain the ride, Sargent said, and the Melbourne jockey was keen to stick with Red Ruler for the A$1.8 million ($2.1 million) AJC Derby at Randwick on April 26.
"His last 700m was super, he got to the line strong and I think he'll be a chance in the Derby," said Newitt.
Red Ruler was at $17 for the AJC Derby, on Saturday, with TAB Sportsbet in Australia, with Victorian three-year-old Littorio a $5 favourite after his fast-finishing third in the Rosehill Guineas.
The other New Zealand-trained guineas runner Mission Critical faded to 10th after making the pace.
Co-trainer Mike Moroney said Mission Critical needed the run, his first in six weeks, and would still be nominated for the BMW (2400m) against older horses at Rosehill this Saturday.
Wellington Cup winner Young Centaur was also coming off a six-week break in the Manion Cup and looked a winning hope for most of the straight.
The Chieftain won by a short head, with favourite No Wine No Song a head in front of Young Centaur.
"At the 200m it was going to be very close. He'll improve with that for sure and be right on target for the Sydney Cup," said Sargent.
Jockey Corey Brown was keen to retain the ride.
"It was a super run," Brown said.
"I'll admit I got there (to the front) a little bit soon because I didn't really know him, and he didn't know where he was going, too.
"He's a lovely horse and into the Sydney Cup up to his neck."
The John Wheeler-trained Pentathon also ensured a strong challenge for the Sydney Cup on May 3 with a slashing fifth in the Manion, coming from last on the home turn.
Pentathon stormed to a half-length fifth behind The Chieftain after jockey Shane Dye had to switch course several times in search of a clear run.
"A good run and the Sydney Cup's really going to suit him," said Dye.
Pentathon shortened to $13, with Young Centaur at $17 and former New Zealand-trained stayer The Fuzz a $6 favourite.
Meanwhile, in the group three Cleanevent Stakes (1200m) for fillies and mares, Northland trainer Donna Logan's mare Jazzella faded to ninth after racing three wide on the pace from barrier 15 for Dye.
- NZPA
