A track gallop has convinced the trainers of Anaheim to run the colt in the SA Derby
A track gallop at Cranbourne has convinced the trainers of Anaheim to run the colt in the South Australian Derby.
Anaheim needed to please training partners Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young on Tuesday before they paid up for Saturday’s Group One SA Derby at Morphettville.
The three-year-old disappointed when sixth to Odeon at Caulfield on April 29 which came off the back of a ninth placing in the Australian Derby at Randwick on April 1.
Busuttin said Anaheim’s work was excellent and his recovery post-gallop was good.
“Natalie galloped him and she was pleased with him so we’re going to press on and have a crack at it,” Busuttin told RSN927.
“Today was the telling point. He had a good strong gallop to find out a few questions and he answered those.”
Busuttin said Anaheim appeared to race flat when beaten by Odeon last start and he was concerned two previous performances on heavy tracks in Sydney had taken a toll.
He is hoping firmer ground and a rise in distance will help Anaheim turn the tables on Odeon.
“Odeon looks the one to beat for mine so we’ve got a few lengths to turn around on him,” Busuttin said.
Ben Melham, who has ridden Anaheim to his only two victories at Benalla and Flemington, takes over from Stephen Baster on Saturday.
Busuttin said Melham was booked to ride the colt last time but was sidelined through suspension.
Anaheim has drawn barrier 14 in a field on 20 for Saturday’s 2500m-race which also includes four emergencies.
The $3.80 Luxbet favourite Odeon is drawn in barrier five for Damian Lane with Anaheim rated a $9 chance.
New Zealand filly Savvy Dreams, who was scratched at the barrier from last week’s Australasian Oaks, is set to run in the Derby from barrier 19.
