Derby right down Tavistock's Abbey after Flemington win

Brad Waters - Thursday September 28

Tavistock Abbey had to dig deep but enhanced his Victoria Derby claims with a fighting win in Wednesday's Victoria Derby Trial (1800m) at Flemington.

Tavistock Abbey (outside) outslugged Main Stage to win Wednesday's VRC Derby Trial at Flemington. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Tavistock Abbey climbed in Derby betting after his soft win in a Bendigo maiden on September 14 but the Anthony Freedman-trained gelding had to work a lot harder in Wednesday's $50,000 contest,

Michael Walker gave Main Stage a comfortable run behind the leaders before sending his mount clear at the 300m. Tavistock Abbey wound up to hit his top at the 250m before wearing down Main Stage late to get home by a half-head.

Freedman said Tavistock Abbey, which eased from $3 to $4.60 in betting, would benefit from his maiden city contest.

"He wasn't as dominant today as he was at Bendigo but he got the job done and he'll probably improve off it," Freedman said.

Freedman said the Victoria Derby was "the obvious way to go" but the three-year-old would need to continue to develop.

"He's got to keep doing it as they all do but he was strong today," Freedman said.

"We have got various options. We could go to the Caulfield Classic, the (Moonee Valley) Vase, Geelong (Classic) so we'll just plot a course through to the Derby.

"If we're happy come Derby day, we'll run but if it comes up a bit quick for him, we might wait for the autumn. We'll see."

Mutamayel firmed from $13 to $10 and worked home to finish third, four lengths from the winner.

Sportsbet installed Tavistock Abbey as a $9 equal favourite with Royal Symphony in its latest Victoria Derby market.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Back to Business for Te Akau
Following a busy week in Auckland, it’s back to business as usual for Mark Walker, with the Te Akau trainer heading back across the Tasman to oversee his Cranbourne base.
Auckland Cup Plan for Cambridge Stud Mare
In-form mare About Time is giving every indication she can master the ultimate distance of her autumn target.
NZ Derby Contenders in Action Saturday
Shaun and Emma Clotworthy’s hopes for the upcoming Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m), Willydoit and Interplanetary, will continue their preparations for the $1.25 million feature in respective events at Ellerslie on Saturday.
The Canonbury Stakes - Often a Guide to Stardom
Saturday’s Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill has been used in recent years as the starting point for two of Chris Waller’s superstars (neither of them winning by the way) and the race is often one of the autumn’s strongest leads so let’s have a closer look.
Star Debut 2YO Winner for Spirit of Boom
Queensland favourite Spirit of Boom is having a hot run with this juveniles this season and posted his eighth winner from 15 starters when the Chris Waller trained filly Karinska saluted at Canterbury on Friday night.
It's a G1 catalogue for the Feb (Early) Online Sale
G1 performers, siblings to G1 winners, dams of G1 winners and shares in several G1 winners and Stakes horses highlight another strong catalogue for the Inglis Digital February (Early) Online Sale.
Stakes Goals for Shamexpress Filly
Stakes assignments await promising filly Miss Madridista following her impressive 5-1/4 length victory in the Norwegian Park 1200 at Te Rapa on Friday.
Flying Artie's My Wish Leads An Aus Trifecta in HK Classic Mile
Mark Newnham continued his excellent season and My Wish continued his remarkable rise when the pint-sized Flying Artie four year-old won the Hong Kong Classic Mile on Friday in and Australian bred trifecta.
Sires With Winners - Friday January 31
Here is the full list of 68 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
No Secret - Middlebrook Valley Lodge Classic Quality
Middlebrook Valley Lodge had the honour of offering the very first horse into the sale ring at Inglis Classic last year when they sold a King’s Legacy filly from Vain Elaine for $150,000 and she is now exciting filly Open Secret, who is set to take her place in the $2million ATC Inglis Millennium next Saturday.