Accidental Bid is heading north to Queensland with hopes of securing a spot in the Queensland Derby.
The galloper under Ciaron Maher’s training is set to contest the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben this Saturday, serving as a key preparation for the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on May 30.
Accidental Bid was the market elect for the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on May 2, but he couldn’t secure a run as the first emergency during acceptances.
The Maher stable harbors a minor concern that Accidental Bid might once more fail to gain a start in the Rough Habit Plate, potentially threatening his entry into the Queensland Derby.
This UK-bred three-year-old remains undefeated in two outings down under, taking a maiden over 1600m at Pakenham prior to a victory over 2000m there last month.
Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, noted that Accidental Bid worked at Ballarat last week before heading to Sydney, and he’ll arrive in Brisbane midweek.
Even without a race in a month, Turnbull indicated Accidental Bid will be in peak condition for Saturday after trips to Adelaide and back to Ballarat sans a start.
“We’ve been able to get work into him, factoring in the travel,” Turnbull said.
“He did well, condition wise, without running in the South Australian Derby, so we were happy to gallop Wednesday, knowing that he was going to travel twice in a six-to-eight-day period.
“I don’t think we will be using fitness as a problem, but he will need the run to be fully prepared for the Derby.
“We galloped him the reverse way, and he was very natural, which was helpful and I think he will be spot on for his next race and then he will improve again for the Derby trip.”
Notwithstanding the strong chance of bypassing the South Australian Derby, the Maher camp decided to take a chance by sending Accidental Bid to Adelaide.
“He was ready to be led across the road,” Turnbull said.
“We were waiting right until the death with him.
“Ciaron was happy to have the travel as it does bring them on and he’s a placid colt.”
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