A scratch is essential for imported three-year-old Accidental Bid to join the South Australian Derby field at Morphettville’s Group 1 showdown.
Under Ciaron Maher since UK debut, Accidental Bid lists as first reserve following Tuesday’s acceptors and Saturday barrier draw for the South Australian Derby (2518m).
Barrier 2 fell to Accidental Bid, who shortened to $3 top pick after declarations, with John Allen booked.
Handicapped by youth as an import against elders, precedent exists via UK-bred Russian Camelot’s 2020 success in COVID era, ironically with Allen riding.
Accidental Bid’s Australian slate is flawless over two Pakenham jaunts post two UK forays.
Ciaron Maher’s National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull affirmed the colt’s staying promise.
“He literally turned three just three weeks ago,” Turnbull said.
“His run over the mile was very pleasing and then to back that up on a heavy track, he relished the ground.
I’m not sure what he beat, but he ran reasonable time and ran a good figure and given his profile and he should stay on.
We went to that race against older horses for the time between runs if we were to go to the Derby and thankfully it’s worked out.”
While the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm beckoned late next month, Turnbull is optimistic about this colt’s readiness.
Amazake offers Maher a credible Plan B, touted by Turnbull as conceivably the yard’s elite maiden.
After spring’s Victoria Derby, three sound returns this prep, most notably third at Caulfield over 2400m.
“He was terribly unlucky last start,” Turnbull said.
“He ended up in an awkward position, and the race was off and gone before he made his run at them.
He’s one of the better maidens in our yard and if we can break that in the Derby, everything will be repaid.
He is a lot stronger, more furnished than he was last season when he ran in the Victoria Derby when he didn’t run out the trip and his last start says the trip will be OK this time.”
Not favourably drawn, Amazake gets post 17 with Ben Melham aboard.
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