For Amazake, the South Australian Derby is the endgame, with Caulfield offering the next vital step.
Saturday brings the Listed Galilee Series Final (2400m), paving the way to the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on May 2.
Ciaron Maher’s Dad And Dave and Awesome Artist will accompany Amazake into Saturday’s lineup.
Jack Turnbull, the Maher stable’s national assistant trainer, mentioned Dad And Dave’s intent to prove Derby worthiness on Saturday, while Awesome Artist could aim for the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington on April 25.
Amazake is yet to break his maiden after eight runs but holds significant staying ability, now presenting as a stronger, more seasoned individual post-spring.
Prior to the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington where he faltered badly, the gelding took third in the Group 3 Norman Robinson Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield—Turnbull noting it was an overly ambitious target.
“We gave him a crack because he ran a place in the Norman Robinson, but he was up against Observer at that stage who was a cut above,” Turnbull said.
“Time has been his friend and he’s a fuller horse now and more mature.
“I think he’ll be fine now, so we’ll give him his chance, so he’ll run on Saturday and then onto the Derby in South Australia.
“He’s still a maiden, which you wouldn’t believe, but he’s won good prize money and has been running in good form races and only getting beaten a couple of lengths, with excuses.
“He’s in good shape.”
They arrive from the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on March 21, with finishes of fourth for Amazake and ninth for Dad And Dave.
Dad ‘N’ Dave’s summer included Tasmanian racing, highlighted by his February win in the Tasmanian Derby (2200m).
“If he doesn’t run to form, we’ll probably turn him out,” Turnbull said.
“He’s done the whole Tasmania thing, and he would want to show us that he warrants a trip for the Derby.
“Awesome Artist is down here after winning last time and maybe heading to the St Leger.”
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