3 minute read
Son of Almanzor presses Derby claims with Flemington win.
Trent Busuttin has tasted Group 1 Penfolds Victoria Derby success before and he a training partner Natalie Young will be hoping to add another to their CV 13 years after the first with Keeneland after the gelding's success in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m).
This race has provided a good guide to the Derby in recent times with the Super Impose-Derby double having been notched by Polanski (2014), Extra Brut (2018), Warning (2019), and most recently Riff Rocket in 2023.
Though happy with the win today, Young is hoping for better luck with the barrier draw come Derby Day than they have had in other Derby attempts since Sangster won for the stable in 2011.
"We seem to get to a Derby on a grand final and we seem to draw 18 or 19, and that's cost us the last few years," Young said.
"But today he actually put everything together, so I just think he's on the up, and that's what you need, you know, heading towards a 2500-metre race in three or four weeks' time."
Keeneland, who has won two of his four starts, is by Almanzor – sire of 2022 VRC Derby winner Manzoice – out of the Savabeel mare Savabeel Star and cost NZ$80,000 at last year's Karaka Yearling Sale.