Impressive first-up Caulfield winner Derryn could be Sydney bound for the first Group One three-year-old race of the new season.
The Lindsay Park colt came from a rewards position before claiming the Brian Reckas Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Tom Dabernig, who trains in partnership with David Hayes and in the new season his cousin Ben, said Derryn’s first spring target was the Golden Rose at Rosehill in September.
Ridden by apprentice Regan Bayliss, Derryn ($9) scored by a length from Sword Of Light ($10) with Nasdex, backed from $5 into $3.30 favouritism, a half-neck away third.
“It’s late winter racing but we’re on the doorstop of the spring and with natural improvement he’ll be better for it,” Dabernig said.
“He’ll be a better 1200-metre horse and hopefully over 1400 metres and further on from there.”
Dabernig said the 1000m may have been too short for Derryn but was impressed with the turn of foot shown by the colt.
He said Derryn was spelled after one run in the autumn with shin soreness which was brought on by immaturity but the stable had always held a high opinion of the colt.
“He’s got a great temperament,” Dabernig said.
“He’s a non-fuss type of colt and everything we’ve seen him do is effortless which is a good sign that he’s above average.”
Dabernig said the Group Three HDF McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 27 was the likely springboard for Derryn into the Golden Rose.
