Race 7 #7 Derecho. One to watch. Not super confident with this one but may be one to follow.
Big step up here as a maiden though not strong stakes field and I suspect 1600m may be as far as he will go. Third dam is Ada Hunter, dam of Kingston Town.
Derecho debuted after a couple of trials 2nds with a calamitous experience for a 2yo, striking a heel and stumbling, losing his rider. Put out for a spell, he appeared 4 months later after an unplaced trials run, running 10th though just 5.7 lengths from winner Total Excess. Next start 3 weeks later, did his best late for 5th.
Had 3 trials runs through Aug-Oct. Twice placed. Stepped up 18 Oct. at Woodville where he ran 8th, 6.1 lengths from winner Satu Lagi. Satu Lagi killed them that day. Derecho was hampered at the start. In behind, Derecho wound up well in the straight but was knocked sideways into the inside horse and the rider did not perservere with him.
Came out for latest start at Otaki with a solid run for 4th, 4.9 lengths from winner Prince Turbo after setling handy. Held ground to the finish.