A plan hatched at the end of last year will come to fruition when Godolphin three-year-old Green Spaces takes his place in the ATC Australian Derby at Randwick.
Connections have had the classic earmarked since his thumping Spring Stakes (1600m) win at Newcastle in November, and Green Spaces has continued to build nicely towards that goal this autumn.
Strong through the line in the Randwick Guineas (1600m) two starts ago, he again caught the eye when doing his best work late for second to Doncaster Mile hopeful Autumn Boy in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
While the 2400m of Saturday’s Derby is unchartered territory, trainer Bjorn Baker says the way Green Spaces can switch off in the run is indicative of a horse who will stay, even if his pedigree isn’t.
By Street Boss out of a Redoute’s Choice mare, he is bred on the same cross as Anamoe, who was brilliant over a middle distance but never stretched to a Derby trip, while his sire has also produced the likes of top sprinter Tempted and Saturday’s TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) fancy Tentyris.
“His pedigree may not suggest he’ll get the trip, but everything we see in terms of his type and how he can relax so well, that’s going to hold him in good stead,” Baker said.
“His run the other day was really good, especially considering they didn’t go as quick up front as I thought. He lost a bit of momentum on the corner, so to get out and run second was fantastic.
“He’s come through the tough races. As we assumed, he wasn’t super competitive at 14 (1400m) and a mile, even though we were very happy with him.
“But once up to 2000, he’s starting to come into his own and hopefully that trend continues up to 2400.”
Baker has shared in the glory of a Victoria Derby triumph with Lion Tamer, but is yet to bring home a Sydney Derby trophy.
As the son of legendary Kiwi horseman Murray, who won the blue riband five times, it is a race close to his heart and one he dearly wants to claim.
“It has been a very special race for my father and the family so it will be very special to have a live chance,” Baker said.
“You dream about winning it.”
Green Spaces has drawn gate six of 13 for the classic and will have the services of regular rider Rachel King.
Baker and King are no strangers to staying race success in Sydney, having captured last year’s Sydney Cup (3200m) with Arapaho.
