Unlucky Second for Derby Hopeful

Media Release - Tuesday October 2

Trainer Stephen McKee is weighing up his options as to how progressive three-year-old Hasabro proceeds to the Group I VRC Derby (2500m) on November 3.

HasabroThe son of Savabeel finished a luckless second at Geelong on Monday in a maiden 1755m, where he was held up in the straight before charging home.

"I was pleased with how he went, but it was a bit disappointing as he should have won," McKee said. "As a result he has not gone up in the ratings and he hasn't got much more prizemoney in the bin, so it just leaves us in the cart a little bit as to where we go from here.

"I wouldn't have minded going straight into the Geelong Classic (Listed, 2200m) in three weeks as he is pretty fit already, but I will have to get a feel for what the likelihood is that he will get in. It is no good sitting on our hands and not getting in the Derby later on.

"It may well mean we have to split it up and run in another maiden in ten days or so, but I would have preferred only one more run."

McKee said the feedback from rider Damian Lane was positive.

"He said he should have won by two or three lengths and that he gave him a good feel and he looks like a horse who will go a lot further."

Meanwhile, Hasabro's Group One-winning older sister Hasahalo is not far away from resuming.

"She trialed a couple of weeks ago at Te Rapa and she might kick off at Matamata on the 13th depending on track conditions.

Hasahalo will most likely target the Gr.2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton next month, although McKee hasn't ruled out having her join her younger sibling in Melbourne.

"I said to Albert (Bosma of Go Racing) to keep in mind the Myer Classic (Gr.1, 1600m) in Melbourne as well. She is a horse that would probably love a mile at Flemington, but we might be a couple of weeks short of being able to get her ready for it."

McKee will have four runners at Ruakaka on Wednesday and has labelled juvenile Tappy's One as his best chance.

"He's strengthened since his first run and he lost quite a bit of momentum when checked, which you can't do over 800m. I think with an even run from the inside draw he should be right in the thick of it." – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Ka Ying Rising connection draws Hayes team to Shamexpress at Karaka
With one of the world’s most exciting sprinters flying the flag for David Hayes in Hong Kong, it has been no surprise to see the trainer’s sons zeroing in on progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka this week.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Million-dollar Hour for Leung at NZB Ready To Run
Hong Kong bloodstock agent Willie Leung had a big hour at Karaka early on Thursday afternoon, spending more than $1 million to secure two well-credentialled colts at the NZB Ready to Run Sale.
Vale, Danny Champion
The thoroughbred racing industry is in mourning following the passing of respected horseman Danny Champion.
Probabeel Chasing Karaka Million History
High-class filly Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) will shoot for a slice of history at the Karaka Million twilight race meeting at Ellerslie on January 25.
Churchill Colt Pulls Off Stunning Pinhooking Result at NZB Ready To Run
Chad Ormsby has enjoyed plenty of racetrack success this year with pinhooks that he has been unable to sell at the Ready to Run Sale, but the multi-talented horseman had a very different outcome with the standout member of his 2024 Riverrock Farm draft at Karaka on Thursday.
Arkansaw Kid Brother Sells for $520,000
A well-related son of Harry Angel provided a late highlight in the final hour of the 2024 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on Thursday when he was knocked down to a $520,000 bid from bloodstock agent Morgan Carter.
Probabeel Shows her Class
Superstar three-year-old Probabeel proved a class above her age-group rivals when she made a winning start to her summer campaign over 1400m at Awapuni on Saturday.