Victoria Derby favourite It’s A Dundeel remains on track for next Saturday’s $1 million classic despite a worrying sequel to his shock defeat at Moonee Valley.
It’s A Dundeel started at $1.30 and raced without his usual zip when second to Super Cool, but of more concern was the slow recovery he made from the run.
But trainer Murray Baker has declared the colt a certain starter in the 2500m Flemington classic.
“He’s as good as gold this morning and has bounced right back after yesterday,” Baker said.
“He hadn’t raced for three weeks heading into yesterday so that race should top him off nicely for the Derby.”
The trainer was also consoled by the sectional times that showed the leaders running their final 600m in 35.45 seconds in It’s A Dundeel’s race against 36.86 seconds in the Cox Plate.
“I’ve already accepted for the Derby and I’m very pleased with him heading towards Saturday,” Baker said.
Derby third favourite Hvasstan remains on track for the biggest race his trainer Peter Gelagotis has tackled in his career.
“He’s perfect, really perfect,” Gelagotis said.
“Everything he’s done has been spot on, he’s done everything right.”
Electric Fusion one of the runners who went to the line in the bunch with Hvasstan in the Norman Robinson Stakes at Caulfield last week, remains unconfirmed for Saturday’s race.
Trainer Robert Smerdon said the horse would gallop on Tuesday at Caulfield and a decision would be made after he worked.
It’s A Dundeel remains the $2.80 Derby favourite with Super Cool and Geelong Classic winner Solemn sharing the second line of betting at $6 with Hvasstan at $7.50.
A capacity field of 16 is expected to line up in the race which is shaping as one of the better quality Derbys of recent years.
