Jockey Glen Boss has nominated Ocean Park’s ability to accelerate as his biggest asset and believes he can use it to storm home and win Saturday’s Australian Derby.
Boss described the New Zealander’s barnstorming run from near last for a photo-finish second to Laser Hawk in the Rosehill Guineas as a “super trial” for Saturday’s Classic and can’t wait for the rematch.
He said he had learned a lot from riding Ocean Park in the Guineas and was pleased he had been able to convince trainer Gary Hennessy and his co-owners to run him in the Derby.
The New Zealander was to have returned home after the Rosehill Guineas before connections paid the late entry fee to run him at Randwick.
“They weren’t going to run but his run in the Guineas was as good a Derby trial as I have seen,” Boss said.
“Now I have had a ride on the horse I know a lot more about him and I think the extra distance will really suit him.
“He toughed it out well in the Guineas over 2000 metres and one thing my horse has is a very good turn of foot.”
Boss said TAB Sportsbet favourite Laser Hawk ($3.20) and Rosehill Guineas third placegetter Silent Achiever ($4), who was a long head away in a blanket finish, would again be the dangers for Ocean Park ($4.20).
The trio dominate the market ahead of Rekindled Alliance at $11.
“Obviously the first three in the Guineas are going to be right in it again but barriers and runs in the race are going to be important,” Boss said.
Ocean Park has drawn barrier six, Silent Achiever gate nine and Laser Hawk will jump from barrier 11 in the 13-horse field.
“I like him (Ocean Park) and I think he will be hard to beat,” Boss said.
Boss has won the Derby three times, most recently aboard the filly Shamrocker last year.
