A strategy devised late last year reaches its payoff as Godolphin three-year-old colt Green Spaces lines up in the ATC Australian Derby at Randwick.
The team has targeted this classic ever since his dominant Spring Stakes (1600m) victory at Newcastle back in November, with Green Spaces steadily progressing towards it over this autumn campaign.
He showed great strength at the finish when placing in the Randwick Guineas (1600m) two outings back, then impressed again by finishing strongly for second behind Doncaster Mile contender Autumn Boy in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
Although Saturday’s Derby tests him over an unfamiliar 2400m, trainer Bjorn Baker believes the colt’s ability to settle quietly during races points to stamina, regardless of his breeding.
By Street Boss from a Redoute’s Choice mare, his pedigree mirrors that of Anamoe, who excelled at middle distances but never tackled a Derby distance, and his sire has sired elite sprinter Tempted along with Tentyris, a contender in Saturday’s TJ Smith Stakes (1200m).
“His pedigree may not suggest he’ll get the trip, but everything we see in terms of his type and how he can relax so well, that’s going to hold him in good stead,” Baker said.
“His run the other day was really good, especially considering they didn’t go as quick up front as I thought. He lost a bit of momentum on the corner, so to get out and run second was fantastic.
“He’s come through the tough races. As we assumed, he wasn’t super competitive at 14 (1400m) and a mile, even though we were very happy with him.
“But once up to 2000, he’s starting to come into his own and hopefully that trend continues up to 2400.”
Baker previously celebrated a Victoria Derby win courtesy of Lion Tamer, though he has not yet secured a Sydney Derby victory.
As the offspring of renowned New Zealand trainer Murray, who claimed the prestigious event five times, it holds deep sentimental value for him and is a triumph he covets.
“It has been a very special race for my father and the family so it will be very special to have a live chance,” Baker said.
“You dream about winning it.”
Green Spaces has secured barrier six from 13 starters in the classic and will again be partnered by his usual jockey Rachel King.
Baker and King know success in Sydney staying events, having won last year’s Sydney Cup (3200m) aboard Arapaho.
Racing odds for the Australian Derby are available at leading Australian betting sites.