Gingernuts set for Derby after claiming the Rosehill Guineas
NEW Zealand raider Gingernuts has its sights firmly on completing the New Zealand and Australian Derby double after winning the Rosehill Guineas in style on Saturday.
Jockey Opie Bosson switched the gun runner off towards the back of the field in the early stages of the race and presented it at the right time to torch the field and run away a resounding winner to return $6.50 at Crownbet.com.au.
Bosson said he always knew Gingernuts could make the ground up when it mattered from the back of the field.
“That was a huge win,” Bosson said
“He jumped slow and got a bit of a squeeze but he got into a nice rhythm throughout the race and I knew I had a fit horse under me.”
Despite believing the horse had the ability to storm home late, Bosson said he had a battle on his hands to keep Gingernuts focused throughout the race.
“He had his ears pricked all the way up the straight and he was gawking and looking around, I was just trying to keep his mind on the job,” Bosson added.
Race favourite Inference battled on well from the back of the field to claim second and hand back punters $1.60 at WilliamHill.com.au while So Si Bon defied expectations to round out the placings and pay $4.50.
Inference’s rider Tommy Berry said his horse was “not entitled” to claim second after looking beaten at the 1000m.
“It shows how gutsy he is,” Berry said.
“I was a beaten horse at the 1000m when the winner came around me but just through tenacity and toughness he found the line. He was not entitled to do what he did today.”
The win now places Gingernuts in the box seat to complete the rare New Zealand and Australian Derby double, which was last achieved by superstar Mongolian Khan back in 2015.
Co-trainer Jamie Richards said Gingernuts’ win was “great for the industry”.
“This is huge. It was a great effort.” Richards said.
“I am really pleased for the team at home. We bought the horse at the Ready To Run Sales and we syndicated him amongst some clients of ours and they are having a whirlwind ride.
“It is great for the industry when horses like this step up.”
Richards confirmed the New Zealand Derby winner would run in the Australian incarnation in a fortnight’s time, boasting Gingernuts will be “hard to beat”.