Mick Price is confident that Global Eclipse will handle the leap into Group 1 company when he lines up in the South Australian Derby at Morphettville on Saturday, despite taking an unconventional path to the 2500m feature.

The son of Pierata impressed with a six-length maiden win at Cranbourne last start, leading all the way, and has since earned his chance to step up in trip and class for co-trainers Price and Michael Kent Jnr.

Initially named as second emergency, Global Eclipse required scratchings to make the final Derby field. He was also accepted for a 2000m race at Caulfield as a precaution, but the withdrawals of Politely Dun and Chase Your Dreams have secured him a start in the Group 1.

“He’s a big, long horse, he’s clean-winded,” Price said.

“We’re very happy with him.”

Despite his pedigree not screaming classic stayer—being by Pierata out of Fastnet Rock mare Global Dream—Price is confident the colt has the right physical attributes and engine for the Derby trip.

“I just train him,” Price said. “Have a look at what he did at 2000 metres last time. I’ve worked him with some stayers at home lately and he’s there on the line.

“He’s clean-winded and I’m confident at 2500 metres, but he’s got to have a turn of foot. It’s just a matter of if he’s got the class to sprint a little bit.

“He’s a quiet horse, he’s a sound horse, and he’s totally enjoying being in training.”

Ben Melham will take the ride, chasing a third South Australian Derby win after previous victories with Shadows In The Sun (2011) and Escado (2013).

Statuario remains the $3.20 favourite after drawing perfectly in barrier three, and could jump from gate one if emergency runner Gin Rummy is scratched.

Global Eclipse has tightened in betting from $15 into $10 following the confirmation of his place in the field.