Chief Stipe Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Manawatu Classic winner The Chosen One has been confirmed to cross the Tasman and back up in Saturday’s A$2 million Australian Derby. In a season that included a spring stakes win and earlier this month a rocky unplaced performance in the New Zealand Derby, the Murray Baker/Andrew Forsman-trained colt bounced back with a stylish win over in-form stablemate Spring Delight in last Saturday’s Group Three Awapuni feature. The Chosen One held an entry for the Australian Derby and after connections mulled over going through with it, Baker confirmed today that he has been booked on a flight to Sydney tomorrow. “He’s come through the weekend in good shape and we decided to go ahead with a Derby start,” Baker told www.theinformant.co.nz. “He’s a lovely colt, by Savabeel from a mare that won over 2500 metres, so he’s got the right credentials. “The only thing we’re not sure about is a rider, but we’ll get him over there and settled in, and hopefully the rest will work itself out.” Baker also confirmed that the A$44,000 late entry fee had been paid to enable Madison County to start in the Randwick classic. A dual Group One winner over 1600 metres, Madison County closed well for second in last Saturday’s Gr. 2 Tulloch Stakes, his first test at a middle-distance. “The option was the Doncaster (Mile), but we’ve decided on the Derby after that run,” Baker added. “He ran the fastest final 600 on the day, so he should be some chance on that.” The Baker/Forsman stable will have a total of five runners on the first day of The Championships, with plans to also run Sydney Cup entries Vin De Dance and Zacada in the Gr. 2 Chairman’s Quality and Australian Oaks entry Clementina in the Gr. 3 Adrian Knox Stakes. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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