Imported three-year-old Accidental Bid requires a withdrawal from the South Australian Derby to participate in the Group 1 event at Morphettville.
Transferred to Ciaron Maher’s stable after beginning his racing in the UK, Accidental Bid sits as the first emergency post final acceptances on Tuesday and the barrier draw for Saturday’s South Australian Derby (2518m).
Securing barrier 2, Accidental Bid emerged as the $3 favourite once the field was set, with John Allen in the saddle.
As an imported three-year-old, Accidental Bid concedes age to competitors, yet there’s history with UK-bred Russian Camelot taking the prize in 2020 amid peak COVID restrictions, coincidentally with Allen aboard.
Accidental Bid remains undefeated in two Australian outings, both at Pakenham, following importation after two UK runs.
Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher’s team, noted Accidental Bid displays the potential of a strong stayer.
“He literally turned three just three weeks ago,” Turnbull said.
“His run over the mile was very pleasing and then to back that up on a heavy track, he relished the ground.
I’m not sure what he beat, but he ran reasonable time and ran a good figure and given his profile and he should stay on.
We went to that race against older horses for the time between runs if we were to go to the Derby and thankfully it’s worked out.”
Turnbull mentioned the team considered the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm later next month, though they’re thrilled with the colt’s current condition.
The Maher outfit boasts a solid reserve in Amazake, whom Turnbull called possibly the yard’s top maiden galloper.
Amazake tackled the Victoria Derby last spring and has delivered three strong efforts this preparation, including a recent third over 2400m at Caulfield.
“He was terribly unlucky last start,” Turnbull said.
“He ended up in an awkward position, and the race was off and gone before he made his run at them.
He’s one of the better maidens in our yard and if we can break that in the Derby, everything will be repaid.
He is a lot stronger, more furnished than he was last season when he ran in the Victoria Derby when he didn’t run out the trip and his last start says the trip will be OK this time.”
Amazake copped a tougher barrier with gate 17 and Ben Melham to ride.
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