Emergency spot for Accidental Bid in chase for South Australian Derby
The imported three-year-old Accidental Bid must hope for a forfeiture in the South Australian Derby to gain entry into the Group 1 feature at Morphettville.
Having switched to Ciaron Maher from his UK beginnings, Accidental Bid holds first emergency status after Tuesday's final fields and Saturday's barrier draw for the South Australian Derby (2518m).
With barrier 2 allocated, he became the $3 market elect when the runners were confirmed, set to be partnered by John Allen.
Accidental Bid, as a freshly imported three-year-old, spots age to opponents, but UK-bred Russian Camelot provides a blueprint by claiming victory in 2020 during COVID peaks, ridden by Allen no less.
Unbeaten across two Australian appearances at Pakenham since arriving post two UK efforts.
Jack Turnbull, the Ciaron Maher stable's National Assistant Trainer, highlighted Accidental Bid's credentials as a prospective long-distance runner.
"He literally turned three just three weeks ago," Turnbull said.
"His run over the mile was very pleasing and then to back that up on a heavy track, he relished the ground.
I'm not sure what he beat, but he ran reasonable time and ran a good figure and given his profile and he should stay on.
We went to that race against older horses for the time between runs if we were to go to the Derby and thankfully it's worked out."
The stable eyed the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm towards month's end but is buoyed by the colt's preparation.
Amazake represents a reliable backup for Maher, labelled by Turnbull as potentially the finest unraced winner in the stable.
This campaign, after the spring Victoria Derby, Amazake has posted three consistent runs, culminating in third place over 2400m at Caulfield lately.
"He was terribly unlucky last start," Turnbull said.
"He ended up in an awkward position, and the race was off and gone before he made his run at them.
He's one of the better maidens in our yard and if we can break that in the Derby, everything will be repaid.
He is a lot stronger, more furnished than he was last season when he ran in the Victoria Derby when he didn't run out the trip and his last start says the trip will be OK this time."
Gate 17 awaits Amazake, with Ben Melham taking the mount.
Head to the online bookmakers to find the keenest racing odds for the South Australian Derby.
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