The VRC Derby credentials of 3 x OTI three-year-olds are set to be put to the test on Wednesday in the Listed 2200m Geelong Classic. In a race that has fallen away in recent times as a legitimate form reference for the Derby, we are hoping to alter that perception. Azazel, Zorb and Valued have all accepted to run, with Valued named the first emergency and offered an awkward, wide gate.
Azazel’s run in the 1800m Listed Super Impose a fortnight ago was a most positive lead-up for this next step in his campaign. The son of Shocking, following on from a win on debut in September, was not beaten far into 4th position, and the form from that race proved most competitive in Saturday’s Group 3 Autumn Classic at Caulfield. (Miewa, 2nd at Flemington, filled the same position at Caulfield). With those formlines underpinning Azazel’s, he heads to Geelong for Mark Walker and Michael Dee as a leading chance in this race.
Azazel finishes 4th last start at Flemington.
Zorb broke through for a well-deserved win at Kilmore earlier this month for Archie Alexander and Zac Spain, having contested some hot city races as a two-year-old and taking some time to put it all together at three. Now that he’s off the mark, we hope he can make a late charge towards a Derby challenge and continue his winning form.
Zorb wins last start at Kilmore.
Behind Zorb at Kilmore was the slow maturing son of Almanzor, Valued. Baulked for a run at an inopportune time, Valued is learning at every outing and shouldn’t be dismissed if a run in the starting field presents and Dom Sutton chooses to head that way.
OTI will also hold a fine hand in Race 1 on the card, the 2400m Benchmark 70, with imports Highland Bling, Natural Ruler and Karburan all entered. Highland Bling (Phillip Stokes) brings the highest quality form lines to this event, having recently won at Flemington and 2nd at The Valley. Karburan (Trent Busuttin/Natalie Young) was not far behind him on either occasion and is not without claims.
Highland Bling wins at Flemington two starts ago, while Karburan finishes 3rd.
Natural Ruler (Anthony & Sam Freedman) brings differing form lines to the race but is improving at each outing in Australia. He’s had just the two runs in Australia and gets out now to his winning distance in Ireland when trained by Jessie Harrington.
It will also be an important day for Emphasize, contesting the 1700m Benchmark 70 for the Busuttin/Young team. A horse with impressive three-year-old form, he hasn’t yet displayed the performances that have been expected of him this preparation to date; however, he showed some signs in his last race at The Valley that such a return to form was imminent.