The Chris Waller-trained Imperialist is targeting the Australian Derby (2400m), with the Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at The Valley this Saturday serving as a stepping stone.
The three-year-old gelding, who finished third in the Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield last start. Connections opted for this route instead of the Rosehill Guineas (2000m), hoping he can handle the 2000m distance. Despite only one career win, Waller’s racing manager Charlie Duckworth remains optimistic about his Derby prospects.
“We’d love to get him to a Derby and it’s probably just the second-tier route of trying to get there,” Duckworth told Racing.com
“He was very good last start, just prior to dumping Damian after the line.
“He’s a good, tough horse, he just needs to do things right in the first half of the race.
“If he relaxes well, there’s no issues with him seeing out the journey.”