Mission
Hill has tightened in the Group I New Zealand Derby (2400m) market after his bold
showing at Te Rapa.
The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained gelding accounted for the older
horses in the Snell Packaging & Safety Handicap (1600m) on Tuesday to earn
an $8 quote for the Vodafone-sponsored classic at Ellerslie on March 3.
In a changing market after the defections of top colts Age Of Fire and
Demonetization, Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) winner Scott Base is the
$3.50 favourite.
A son of Teofilo, Mission Hill in now unbeaten in his last four starts and came
from a tricky spot near the back of the field on the turn to keep his winning sequence
going.
"It was a cool ride from Opie (Bosson),” Forsman said. "He’s a real winner and
tries hard. The only worry with him is that physically he’s still quite
immature.”
He was also pleased with the effort of Vin De Dance, who is at $16 in the Derby
market, after the Roc de Cambes gelding came from last on the bend to finish
fifth behind his stablemate.
"He got a long way back. He’s still on the way up and there’s a lot of
improvement to come from him and they will both go to the Avondale Guineas
next,” Forsman said. – NZ Racing Desk.