It's that time of year again...
VOLKSTOK'N'BARRELL
gelding, Tavistock-Volkster
Trainer: Donna & Dean Logan, Ruakaka (Habibi 2013)
Jockey: Matt Cameron (no Derby wins)
6 starts
5 wins
0 seconds
1 third
NZ$176,250
1st Gr. 2 Great Northern Guineas
1st Gr. 3 Bonecrusher Stakes
1st Karaka 3yo Mile
"It's amazing having a horse like this." - Donna Logan
"He just does it so easily. It's a great buzz riding a horse like this." - Matt Cameron
This is the horse everyone has been talking about for the Derby since about September. He has been almost scarily dominant in winning his last five races in a row, forcing Logan to say he's possibly one of the best horses she's trained.
Obviously the Logan team are pretty good with Derby horses, winning it in 2013 with Habibi and finishing second last year with Rising Romance. Donna Logan has been very happy with this horse's progress all season, which has to tell you he's on track.
The only remaining question about him is the distance, but Donna Logan believes he will handle it with no problems at all. We'll find out on Saturday in the G2 Avondale Guineas!
Current odds: 2.50
My ranking: 1st