‘Shoot Out’ answered critics who questioned his ability to stay 2400m, producing a dominant display to win the Group 1 AJC Derby on Saturday.
After settling near the rear of the field, Shoot Out surged through the field over the last 400m, running away from Gai Waterhouse’s former New Zealand gelding ‘Descarado’.
Victorian Derby winner ‘Monaco Consul’ was left in third place, with favourite for the race ‘Zabrasive’ having his chance but only battling in the straight, finishing fourth.
Trainer John Wallace was convinced Shoot Out would stay the distance, and now the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups would be his priorities in the spring.
“This is my best horse. Some great horses and good trainers have won this race so I feel pretty humbleâ€.
Jockey Stathi Katsidis bounced back a week after Golden Slipper favourite ‘Military Rose’ disappointed on the main stage, producing a text book ride.
Katsidis believes Shoot Out has the potential for more Group 1 glory, and is definitely looking forward to a Melbourne Spring campaign.
“He could be a champion,” Katsidis said.
“I know it’s a word that’s thrown around a bit but he’s got the breeding, he’s won over 2400 metres now and he could even run two miles down the track”.
Shoot Out has now won five races from his eleven starts and has amassed more than 1.3 million dollars.
Written by Isaac Chaplin
