New Zealand colt It’s A Dundeel continued his domination of Sydney Group One three-year-old racing with his Australian Derby win at Randwick on Saturday.
Starting one of the shortest-priced favourites to win the $1.5 million Classic, It’s A Dundeel added stamina to a repertoire that already includes one of the best finishes in Australasian racing with an effortless win.
It's A Dundeel - Photo by Steve Hart
The win made up for his Victoria Derby defeat in the spring and emphasised his fondness for Sydney after claiming the Group One Spring Champion Stakes in October.
His autumn haul included equally impressive victories in the Randwick Guineas and Rosehill Guineas.
It’s A Dundeel settled ninth in the 10-horse field, in a race where the tempo increased from the middle stages when outsider Kingdoms made a move.
He tracked up for jockey James McDonald through the turn and soon made up a five-length deficit on the leaders to put the issue beyond any doubt at the 200m.
Victorian colt Philippi led home the chasers to take second with Kingdoms holding on for third.
It’s A Dundeel gave trainer Murray Baker his second Australian Derby win.
“We thought he was spot on … much in the same form before he won the Rosehill Guineas,” Baker said.
“He’s a very good horse. To win three (autumn) Group Ones in Sydney is a big effort.”
