New Zealand Racing, 2015-16

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PREDATOR

gelding, Savabeel-Bird

Trainer: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young (no Derby wins)
Jockey: Jonathan Riddell (Jimmy Choux 2011)

4 starts
2 wins
1 second
0 third

NZ$19,500

7th Avondale Guineas

He was so impressive in his first three starts, winning twice and finishing second in the other one to Valley Girl. But his first try in a stakes race was only okay, finishing seventh in the Avondale Guineas.

I think he will appreciate the distance more than some of the others, so he could be an improver.

Odds: 26

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SON OF MAHER

colt, Al Maher-Dance Hit

Trainer: Michael & Matthew Pitman (no Derby wins)
Jockey: Chris Johnson (no Derby wins)

11 starts
3 wins
4 seconds
0 third

NZ$109,125

1st Dunedin Guineas
2nd Levin Classic
6th NZ 2000 Guineas
9th Avondale Guineas

A South Island visitor who was very disappointing in the Avondale Guineas last time. Before that he had been excellent, dominating races in the South Island and producing a huge performance for second in the Levin Classic. If he can perform to that level again he could be a live longshot.

Odds: 41

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THUNDER DOWN UNDER

colt, Street Sense-River Dreaming

Trainer: Stephen Ralph (no Derby wins)
Jockey: Johnathan Parkes (no Derby wins)

11 starts
1 wins
1 second
1 third

NZ$48,400

1st 3YO Salver
3rd Bonecrusher Stakes
5th Karaka Mile
7th Trevor Eagle Memorial
9th Waikato Guineas
11th Avondale Guineas

His win in the 3YO Salver in December was excellent, and that's a race that Mongolian Khan won last year. He hasn't been placed in four starts since then, although his performances haven't been bad in any of them. But I just think he has a few too many lengths to make up on some of these rivals.

Odds: 61

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And the rest, who I don't have pictures of.

SPLENDIDO
gelding, O'Reilly-Vickezzchardonnay

Trainer: Bruce Wallace (no Derby wins)
Jockey: Grant Cooksley (Tidal Light 1986, Cavallieri 1991, Look Who's Talking 1994)

8 starts
0 wins
4 seconds
2 thirds

A maiden, but he's competed well against strong opposition.

Odds: 41


EN SUITE
filly, Shocking-Pentrose

Trainer: Kevin Myers (C'est La Guerre 2008)
Jockey: Rosie Myers (no Derby wins)

6 starts
1 win
1 second
0 third

A good win two starts ago, but only ninth in her most recent start. She needed to run better than that.

Odds: 61


GOBSTOPPER
gelding, Tavastock-Bagalollies

Trainer: Andrew Campbell (no Derby wins)
Jockey: Craig Grylls (no Derby wins)

7 starts
1 win
0 seconds
0 thirds

A full-brother to Werther, but so far it doesn't look like he quite has the same ability.

Odds: 81


PRODIGAL SON
gelding, Duelled-Maybe Yes

Trainer: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson (no Derby wins)
Jockey: Trudy Thornton (no Derby wins)

11 starts
1 win
3 seconds
2 thirds

He has been running good races, but in much lower grades than this.

Odds: 121


PIECE OF KATE
filly, Ekraar-Katie's Girl

Trainer: Gavin Sharrock (no Derby wins)
Jockey: Shaun McKay (no Derby wins)

6 starts
1 win
2 seconds
1 third

A good win last week, but this is a massive step up.

Odds: 121

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It's Derby Day! The sun's shining and the track looks perfect.