By MICHAEL GUERIN
Young Rufus salvaged more than just his reputation by winning the New Zealand Derby.
The erratic Mark Purdon trained colt broke through for his first win in six months in the $100,000 Addington classic on Saturday and it may be enough to keep him in one piece.
Purdon was considering asking the owners to have Young Rufus gelded if his poor recent form did not improve, because his colty antics were affecting his racing.
"But I suppose it would be a harsh thing to do to him now," said Purdon.
Young Rufus led for the last 1800m on Saturday night and outstayed favourite City Rogue, with Country Ways a huge third after being three wide the last 600m.
The winner is now likely to head to the New South Wales Derby.
The Derby capped a dual group one winning night for Purdon as Dependable guaranteed himself Three-Year-Old Trotter of the Year honours with an all-the-way win over stablemate All Action Son in the $50,000 Trotting Stakes.
But Purdon's luck wasn't all good as juvenile Jack Cade looked a certainty beaten when unable to get clear in the $50,000 Welcome Stakes.
And things didn't go to plan in Brisbane either, where Ouch and Cigar were beaten in their final lead-up races to the Interdominions.
Ouch looked in need of the run when settling back and failing to make ground during a sizzling last 800m in the free-for-all while Cigar was trapped three wide for the last lap of his race and was a handy third.
"There isn't too much to be concerned about with them and Ouch in particular will improve with the run, but it is very hard to come from back in the field at Albion Park," said stable foreman Gareth Dixon.
One horse the pair won't have to worry about when the Interdoms start on Saturday is Hunter Cup winner Another Party as he was withdrawn from the series yesterday.
Racing: Victory helps Rufus redeem himself
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