It’s been far from a straightforward lead-up for Chris Waller’s trio of hopefuls in Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm.
Waller, who has previously tasted Derby success with Kovalica and Kukeracha, will be represented this year by three runners, headlined by the well-related filly Belle Detelle.
A three-quarter sister to champion mare Verry Elleegant, Belle Detelle is bidding to become just the third filly to take out the Queensland Derby this century. Waller opted for the 2400-metre classic over the shorter Queensland Oaks, believing the true mile-and-a-half suits her better.
Her sixth-place effort behind stablemate Imperalist in the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) on a heavy Doomben track on May 17 was met with satisfaction from the stable.
“It was solid, it was a very wet track,” Waller said. “She got a long way back and she finished off well. The barrier draw (is important), whether it’s Eagle Farm or Doomben, doesn’t matter where you’re at.”
Belle Detelle has unfortunately drawn barrier 21, which will become 17 of 18 should emergencies come out, with James McDonald booked to take the ride.
Imperalist, who caused an upset when leading all the way in the Rough Habit at $61, will be ridden similarly on Saturday, Waller confirmed.
“Imperalist surprised us a little bit. In the Australian Derby we went back to last and he never made an impact, so we just sort of formed the opinion that he might not stay. I asked Tommy Berry after the Rough Habit and he said ‘no, he’ll get further’,” Waller explained.
Rounding out the trio is Existential Bob, a gelding by Ocean Park who comes off a win at Ipswich and is co-owned by Waller and his wife Stephanie.
“Existential Bob won at Ipswich the other day. He’s come up here to run in the Derby and he’ll stay. He’s by Ocean Park, he needs to improve but he’s in there (with a chance) as well,” Waller said.
Belle Detelle sits as the $7 second pick in betting, behind $5 favourite Statuario, who was runner-up to Femminile ($8) in the South Australian Derby.
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