Derby day prospects for Collett
Pukekohe conditioner Richard Collett will line up two promising three-year-olds on Derby day at Ellerslie next month.
One that will compete in the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) is last-start Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) placegetter Time Lord.
“He ran a nice race and at this stage he will go to the New Zealand Derby,” Collett said. “I’m more than happy with the horse, so we’ll just take it as it comes.”
Meanwhile, impressive last-start winner Azaboy will bypass the Derby in favour of a Rating 65 2100m race on the undercard at Ellerslie on March 3.
“He’s just a horse that has taken a little while to hit his straps, probably a little late in some ways,” Collett said.
“I wouldn’t have minded having a go at the Derby with the horse, he is that type of horse, but he’s just a bit late maturing.”
Although he will miss the Derby, Collett has black-type plans for the Azamour gelding with a possible trip across the Tasman also on the cards.
“He’s a genuine New Zealand staying type of horse, a lean type of horse that’s just getting stronger and better as his prep goes on,” Collett said.
“If he performs well at Ellerslie he will go to Awapuni for the Manawatu Classic.
“I’ve put him in the Australian Derby, but it’s probably just coming up too soon, but it is after the Awapuni race. There are lots of options.” – NZ Racing Desk.