The death of staying star Mosquito has made it a tough two weeks for Northland trainer Donna Logan, but she’s hoping the New Zealand Derby will provide the best possible lift.
Logan saddles $4 second favourite Rising Romance and outside chance Stand Your Ground in the 2400m Derby at Ellerslie on Saturday, along with Darley Plate favourite Durham Town.
But injury robbed her of Auckland Cup hope Mosquito, who was euthanised after more than a week of battling a complex bowel condition.
Mosquito fought his condition bravely, at times looking like he might survive, and Logan says losing the winner of the City of Auckland Cup on New Year’s Day had a huge impact on her.
“It was a huge emotional roller coaster and it’s been very difficult to set it aside, but after we buried him we’ve tried to focus on our other commitments, starting with the Derby,” she said.
“We could do with a lift.”
Logan won the New Zealand Derby last year with another Ekraar filly, Habibi, and the similarities between the two fillies don’t end there.
They both won Group races at the Ellerslie New Year carnival, both placed in the Avondale Guineas in mid-February after a six-week break, both wear the number 16 saddlecloth, and both will begin the Derby from barrier one.
“It’s quite incredible how this filly has replicated what Habibi did,” Logan said.
“I’m very pleased with how she’s done since and I’m looking forward to the race.”
Logan also warned not to dismiss her Derby second string, $31 chance Stand Your Ground, the mount of five-time Derby-winning jockey Vinny Colgan.
“He had no luck at his last start and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s right in this.”
Puccini is the $3.20 favourite after front-running victories in the Waikato Guineas and Avondale Guineas, while Spellbinder and Weregoingtogetcha are the only other runners in single figures.
