The top three finishers from the Tulloch Stakes are set to back up in the ATC Australian Derby, though connections of winner Pocketing will need to pay a late entry fee to compete.
Pocketing was not originally entered for the Group 1 classic after suffering from cardiac arrhythmia in a Midway Handicap in February. However, he bounced back with a Midway win and a victory in Tuesday’s rescheduled Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.
Trainer Will Freedman confirmed they are considering paying the $44,000 late entry fee to back up in Saturday’s Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick.
“He had cardiac arrhythmia in a Midway and ran last, so everything was put on hold,” co-trainer Will Freedman said.
“We have a decision to make today. I will take Josh’s (Parr) advice into account. He moved up from 1600 to 2000 meters, so it’s understandable he wasn’t charging through the line.
“We will see how he pulls up. Luckily, he’s at home, so he only has to travel across the road back to his box. The four-day turnaround doesn’t concern me too much.
“The main question is whether he stays 2400 meters. But do many of them? Probably not.”
Connections have until 6 p.m. (AEST) on Tuesday to decide whether to pay the acceptance fee.
Jockey Josh Parr stated that Pocketing settled well in the race and displayed great determination after he had to make a move earlier than planned.
“We had to push forward into the first corner to secure a spot. Once he got there, he relaxed well,” Parr said.
“He showed plenty of grit because (rival) Format was struggling a long way from home and pushed me around him. That meant I had to go for him quite early.”
Freedman added that if Pocketing ($9) doesn’t contest the Derby, he will likely head for a spell.
Pocketing edged out Firm Agreement ($9) by a short half-head, with King Of Thunder ($5.50) finishing another head away in a closely fought finish.
Trainer Annabel Neasham was pleased with Firm Agreement’s resurgence in form and indicated they are leaning toward accepting for the Derby while monitoring the horse’s condition.
“Based on that performance, we have to give it serious thought,” Neasham said.
“He had a relatively easy run in the first half of the race.”
John O’Shea confirmed that third-place finisher King Of Thunder is also on track to back up in the Derby, despite not enjoying the heavy track conditions.
“That’s exactly what we wanted to see—him finishing off strongly,” O’Shea said.
“He wasn’t entirely comfortable on that ground, which probably dulled his finishing burst a bit. But he ran well through the line, pulled up in good order, and that was a solid tune-up for Saturday.”
The final field and barrier draw for the Australian Derby will be announced on Tuesday evening.
