The South Australian Derby remains the target for Amazake as he heads to Caulfield for a key preparation run.
Saturday’s Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m) serves as the ideal platform leading into the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on May 2.
Stablemates Dad And Dave and Awesome Artist, both under Ciaron Maher’s care, will join Amazake in the Saturday feature.
Jack Turnbull, national assistant trainer for the Maher stable, noted that Dad And Dave aims to demonstrate his suitability as a Derby prospect on Saturday, while Awesome Artist could target the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington on April 25.
Despite eight outings without a victory, Amazake displays strong staying potential and has developed into a more robust horse since his spring campaign.
The gelding placed third in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield before fading in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington, which Turnbull admitted was premature for him.
“We gave him a crack because he ran a place in the Norman Robinson, but he was up against Observer at that stage who was a cut above,” Turnbull said.
“Time has been his friend and he’s a fuller horse now and more mature.
“I think he’ll be fine now, so we’ll give him his chance, so he’ll run on Saturday and then onto the Derby in South Australia.
“He’s still a maiden, which you wouldn’t believe, but he’s won good prize money and has been running in good form races and only getting beaten a couple of lengths, with excuses.
“He’s in good shape.”
Both Amazake and Dad And Dave last raced in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on March 21, where they ended up fourth and ninth.
Dad ‘N’ Dave had a summer stint in Tasmania, securing victory in the Tasmanian Derby (2200m) back in February.
“If he doesn’t run to form, we’ll probably turn him out,” Turnbull said.
“He’s done the whole Tasmania thing, and he would want to show us that he warrants a trip for the Derby.
“Awesome Artist is down here after winning last time and maybe heading to the St Leger.”
Betting enthusiasts can check the racing odds on Australian betting sites via Australian betting sites for the South Australian Derby.
