Riff Rocket secures VRC/Australian Derby double

[Wandering Eyes]

James McDonald lifts Riff Rocket to victory in the Group 1 ATC Derby. Photo: RacingNSW

Riff Rocket (+125) proved too classy in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, picking up his third Group 1 victory for the Chris Waller barn.

The son of American Pharoah was impressive in the spring, getting the head down in the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m), and appears to be an even better horse this autumn, winning the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) before making it back-to-back Derby successes.

With the early withdrawal of James Cummings-trained filly Zardozi, all the market support was in favour of the Chris Waller-trained gelding, and the steer from James McDonald was a confident one.

He elected to race towards the rear of the field throughout, allowing the likes of Glad You Think So (+8000) and Wymark (+550) to set a genuine tempo throughout the 2400m journey.

Tom Kitten ($6.50) appeared to have the run of the race in behind the speed, while the eventual runner-up, Ceolwulf (+600), was asked to make a long-sustained run down the centre of the course.

McDonald eventually got the split back towards the inside when the race went on, powering to the front, getting the better of a very game Ceolwulf, who would have to settle for the minor money along with Glad You Think so whacking away on speed.

2024 Group 1 ATC Derby Replay – Riff Rocket

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It’s only the fourth time a three-year-old has done the VRC/Australian Derby double and Chris Waller spoke to the achievement in the aftermath.

“It’s pretty special,” said Waller.

“Simple as that, and these guys (owner Debbie Kepitis and the Ingham family) were here before I had the first Group 1 winner, so it’s fitting.

“I don’t cry as much as I used to but this one’s pretty special.

“He’s done a great job, he’s an amazing horse, he puts himself into the race at the right time.

“Amazing ride from James. He didn’t panic being back there, it was a truly-run Derby and we had that question mark over his staying ability, but how dare we?

“He’d won a Victorian Derby, he’s by American Pharoah, who’s a Derby winner and went beyond that in the Preakness and the Belmont for the Triple Crown. I guess that’s where he gets his stamina.”

James McDonald apparently took notes out the Tyler Schiller playbook when referencing his victory aboard Riff Rocket.

“I got inspired by Tyler’s ride (On Celestial Legend),” said McDonald.

“What he can do I can do better.

“I was (worried) at the 300, because he didn’t spend a penny getting there but I could feel he was out on his feet because the distance range is as far as he wants but his will to win, tenacity and finding the line is incredible.

“It’s definitely not his trip, that’s for sure, he was out on his feet but he’s tough. He doesn’t know how to run a bad race, he wears his heart on his sleeve, he’s solid as a rock this horse and you’d love him at war with you.”

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