Highlad franks Victorian Derby form at Te Rapa

Highlad
Highlad resumes after a failed NZ Derby attempt to win comfortably at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: NZ Racing Desk

TRAINERS Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman thought enough of Highlad to chance their arm in the Group 1 Victorian Derby last season and the four-year-old returned a strong winner at Te Rapa on Saturday.

The son of High Chaparral was fresh up having not run since March when finishing 10th in the New Zealand Derby behind Gingernuts, but the lack of fitness was no worry for the potential staying top liner.

Highlad scored consecutive wins in New Zealand before heading to Australia where it ran third in the UCI Stakes before battling in the Neil Robinson Stakes and Victoria Derby. That trip might have come a bit soon for the gelding, but it was back to its best on Saturday.

“I think Murray and Andrew and the owners will probably take their time (this campaign),” jockey Matthew Cameron said. “Aussie might have been a bit soon.”

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Cameron is confident the four-year-old has worked out its issues which caused it to over race a touch last season.

“To be fair, he couldn’t get any worse last season, his quirks have changed,” Cameron said. “He’s grown up a lot.

“Mentally it didn’t work and he’s come back and had to do the hard yards again.”

Highlad looked settle behind the barriers which caused punters to jump on. It was backed in from an opening quote of $3.80 to $2.50.

“He was quiet before the start, he’s jumped, settled nicely and got the drag into the race,” Cameron said.

“He kicked away like the good horse he is.

“This year he has grown up a lot and he’ll show himself this time.”

Co-trainer Murray Baker didn’t suggest Highlad was going to the Livamol Classic (Spring Classic) at Hastings in October, but it has firmed into $21 with Bet365.com on the back of that win.

“He ran quite credibly in Australian,” Baker said. “He was just short of the real top ones, but he’s come back well.

“We’ll just take him through the grades and hope he can get to open company.”

BCD Rating 75 result (19/08/17)

1st – Highlad ($2.50/$1.60)
2nd – Wildflower ($2.70)
3rd – Swinging Skirts ($4.70)

Quinella – $9.80
Trifecta – $254.80
First Four – $2136.30

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