Price hoping Derby chance can Eclipse rivals in 2025 SA Derby

Global Eclipse has secured a start in the South Australian Derby and trainer Mick Price is backing the colt to measure up despite a fast-tracked rise to Group 1 company.

After a commanding front-running victory by six lengths at Cranbourne last time out, the son of Pierata was given the green light to tackle Saturday’s 2500m test at Morphettville.

Price and training partner Michael Kent Jnr had initially entered him in a 2000m race at Caulfield as insurance, with Global Eclipse second emergency for the Derby field. However, two withdrawals allowed the colt to gain a start, with Ben Melham booked for the ride.

“He’s a big, long horse, he’s clean-winded,” Price said.

“We’re very happy with him.”

Though his dam, Global Dream, was a sprinter, Price is convinced by what he’s seen at home that Global Eclipse can stay the Derby trip.

“I just train him,” Price said. “Have a look at what he did at 2000 metres. I’ve worked him with some stayers at home lately and he’s there on the line.

“He’s clean-winded and I’m confident at 2500 metres, but he’s got to have a turn of foot. It’s just a matter of if he’s got the class to sprint a little bit.

“He’s a quiet horse, he’s a sound horse, and he’s totally enjoying being in training.”

Melham will be looking to repeat past Derby successes, having previously partnered Shadows In The Sun and Escado to victory in 2011 and 2013 respectively.

With his place confirmed, Global Eclipse’s odds have firmed significantly, and he’ll now look to challenge the current favourite Statuario, who sits at $3.20 after a favourable draw in barrier three.