Arcora sets sights on Victoria Derby after Byerley triumph
Arcora’s victory in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) at Flemington on Saturday has secured his spot in the prestigious Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) this spring, with trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young now setting their sights on the coveted race.
The two-year-old colt, by Justify, came from a forward position to outstay his rivals, giving jockey John Allen the first leg of a winning double, as he followed up with a win on Em Sixty in the next race.
Stable representative Sam Griggs was quick to highlight Busuttin and Young’s exceptional record in preparing three-year-olds for major races like the Victoria Derby.
“Trent and Natalie, not many better at getting a middle distance three-year-old up to (derby) trip, there’s lots of nice 2000m races coming up in September,” Griggs said.
“We’ll plot a course with him, whatever is going to suit him best, but get him here Derby Day and he’ll make his presence felt.”
Griggs had already identified Arcora as a derby contender early in the colt’s career, particularly after his first-up run when he finished second over 1400m.
“I thought after his first-up run over 1400m (second), I said to Trent and Natalie ‘he’s the derby horse’, he’s got so much improvement ahead of him,” Griggs shared.
“It’s nice to tick the (win) box and will do him a world of good to get his head down in front because he’s been going close and got the killer blow today.”
Arcora’s ability to travel outside the leader and accelerate strongly in the straight earned him a well-deserved victory, leaving runner-up Bayou Music in his wake.
The Godolphin colt enjoyed a lovely run behind the speed but struggled to find a gap in the final stages, charging late but unable to bridge the gap to Arcora.
After his impressive win, Arcora’s spring ambitions have been further endorsed by none other than Victoria Derby-winning jockey John Allen.
“He’s quite well developed as a two-year-old and got plenty of strength about him … I’d imagine they’d be thinking a derby for him in the spring,” Allen said.
“He certainly feels like he has the raw ability.”
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