Victoria Derby hero Goldrush Guru will be given another chance at a Classic after showing trainer Andrew Gluyas enough on Saturday to warrant backing up in this week’s Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m).
Goldrush Guru finished fifth, beaten 2-½ lengths as a $4.80 third elect in Saturday’s Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) after racing keenly early, an issue Gluyas hopes will be rectified on a quick backup.
“We’ll monitor him through the week, our intention is to go to the Derby,” Gluyas said.
“He’ll be better for that hit out today.”
Wide early and clearly over racing, Jason Holder let Goldrush Guru pull his way to the lead where he settled better, holding the lead until 150m mark before being overrun by eventual winner Athanatos.
“He’s keen, and that’s been his problem this preparation, sort of, post-Australian Guineas, he’s been a bit aggressive. Which is sort of his Achilles heel. But with that sturdy hit out today, that might just season him for next week,” Gluyas said.
Following an encouraging third in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), Goldrush Guru didn’t fire in either the Rosehill Guineas or ATC Derby, Gluyas was happy to reset and target his home carnival, knowing there’d be improvement to come out of the Chairman’s.
“A month between runs, so for him to take up the lead and to get run down, I thought he stuck on fairly. It wasn’t a bad effort.”
“He’s not pretending to race so we intend to run him, provided he pulls up alright during the week.”
While Goldrush Guru was third favourite on Saturday, the horses ahead of him in the market won’t be backing up in the Derby, including race winner Athanatos, with trainer Phillip Stokes quick to confirm post-race that his horse would be spelled.
“He definitely won’t be going to the Derby,” Stokes said.
“He’ll be on our truck on the way home, and we’ll look forward to the Spring. I think when he comes back next prep, he’ll probably be a nice miler.”
Second favourite Scintillante struggled home to finish 13th, Cliff Brown also confirming post-race that he would now be spelled.
Goldrush Guru has drifted to $13 for the South Australian Derby in a market headed by Statuario at $3.50.
The James Cummings’ trained Lavalier, who was an eye-catching second in the Chairman’s Stakes, is into a $5 second elect. Cummings indicated on Saturday that Lavalier is a good chance to back up.
