Impavido seeks clear path to Derby
Trainer Bjorn Baker is confident Impavido can put his Australian Derby campaign back on track at Rosehill after a luckless run in the Group One Randwick Guineas.
The three-year-old gelding was handling the 1600m heavy slog as well as any on March 4, but was held up in the straight, an imposition that consigned Impavido to a meritorious fourth behind Inference.
“He got blocked in the straight and didn’t have the most of luck but it was an excellent run,” Baker said.
“Hopefully he can come through well and we can go to the Derby (at Randwick on April 1) with some confidence.”
Baker was comfortable with the step up in distance on Saturday to 2000m for the Group One race and the continuation of Sydney’s waterlogged autumn was also not a concern.
“Tracking up in trip should suit. He looks great, his work on Tuesday was very good and Impavido handles a wet track,” Baker said.
“He’s drawn well in seven as well so that gives him options whether it be forward or back.
“It’s a strong field but after his last run he definitely deserves a shot.”
Impavido ($9) is on the fourth line of betting with the TAB while Inference is tipped to complete the Randwick-Rosehill Guineas double as the $3.20 favourite.
Victoria Derby winner Prized Icon and New Zealand Derby winner Gingernuts were quoted as $6 chances on Friday.
New Zealand Derby runner-up Rising Red has been given the weekend off after originally being entered for both the Guineas and the Ranvet Stakes.
Co-trainer Trent Busuttin ultimately opted to follow the successful strategy he employed with Tavago a year ago by sending Rising Red straight into the $2 million Australian Derby (2400m) without a lead-up race after a trans-Tasman trip to Ellerslie.
“He’s travelled to New Zealand, had a hard run in the Derby and travelled back,” Busuttin said.
“He doesn’t need the race at this stage to be ready for the Derby.”
Busuttin and Natalie Young will be represented in the Guineas by Anaheim, fifth in the Australian Guineas at Flemington earlier this month.
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