Rough Habit Plate targeted by Accidental Bid before Queensland Derby
Accidental Bid makes his journey to Queensland aiming for entry into the Queensland Derby.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, this galloper is slated for the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben on Saturday, as a stepping stone to the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) scheduled at Eagle Farm on May 30.
He had been the favourite in betting for the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on May 2, yet missed out as first reserve at acceptance stage.
A small worry exists within the Maher team that Accidental Bid may again be excluded from the Rough Habit Plate, which might jeopardize his Queensland Derby participation.
Accidental Bid, bred in the UK and now a three-year-old, has won both of his Australian races: a 1600m maiden at Pakenham followed by success over 2000m at the same venue last month.
Jack Turnbull from Ciaron Maher Racing, as National Assistant Trainer, mentioned that Accidental Bid galloped at Ballarat last week, then went to Sydney, with Brisbane on the itinerary midweek.
Turnbull assured that, despite a month off the track, Accidental Bid will arrive race-ready on Saturday following his travels to Adelaide and return to Ballarat without competing.
"We've been able to get work into him, factoring in the travel," Turnbull said.
"He did well, condition wise, without running in the South Australian Derby, so we were happy to gallop Wednesday, knowing that he was going to travel twice in a six-to-eight-day period.
"I don't think we will be using fitness as a problem, but he will need the run to be fully prepared for the Derby.
"We galloped him the reverse way, and he was very natural, which was helpful and I think he will be spot on for his next race and then he will improve again for the Derby trip."
Even with slim prospects of running in the South Australian Derby, the Maher stable opted to send Accidental Bid to Adelaide.
"He was ready to be led across the road," Turnbull said.
"We were waiting right until the death with him.
"Ciaron was happy to have the travel as it does bring them on and he's a placid colt."
Visit the online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the Queensland Derby.
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