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.
More Racing News
Fresh Linebacker targets Scone's Luskin Star Stakes
This weekend, trainer Tom Charlton intends to dispatch two standout stablemates to separate states, with Linebacker entered for the Luskin Star Stakes in Scone and emerging quick Napoleonic bound for the Group 1 Doomben 10,000.Linebacker appears in nominations for each contest, yet Charlton leans towards Scone given that the Luskin...
Patient approach pays off for Beadman in Gold Coast Guineas
Opting for a more measured ride on Beadman in the Gold Coast Guineas proved a smart move for his owners and team, positioning them to target the Brisbane winter carnival's premier sprint race.After registering a win in the Fireball Quality (1100m) on his fresh appearance, the three-year-old endured placeless finishes...
Blinkers bring Plymouth back to winners' circle at Caulfield
Co-trainer Ben Hayes from Lindsay Park attributes Plymouth's resurgence to victory at Caulfield to the use of blinkers.The horse under the care of Ben, Will and J D Hayes grabbed his first triumph post the Benalla Cup from last September via success in the Lamaro's After The Last Handicap (2000m)...
Desert Lightning delivers Moody repeat Goodwood success
Peter Moody, now based with Katherine Coleman, has taken out the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) once more, echoing his achievement 14 years prior when Black Caviar dominated in 2012.Both triumphs came with Luke Nolen in the saddle; Black Caviar's win by 1.3 lengths was tighter than usual for the...
Dominant display by Pride Of Jenni echoes past glory at Gold Coast
With a bold frontrunning performance reminiscent of her electrifying 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes effort, Pride Of Jenni has left her Hollindale Stakes competitors trailing to claim another exceptional success.The mare was in peak free-wheeling mode for Saturday's Gold Coast showcase, building an approximate 16-length buffer as the 800m approached and...
Caulfield win puts Highvol back on victory trail
Nick Ryan, the trainer, may eye a Queensland venture for Highvol after the gelding notched a triumphant return at Caulfield.The gelding Highvol hadn't tasted success since his opening two triumphs as a juvenile until he captured the Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.Jamie Mott kept Highvol ($16) prominent...
Stokes scores $500,000 The Coast hit-and-run with Athanatos
Kerrin McEvoy needed only a fast look at Athanatos's past performances to realise he was on a livewire for the $500,000 The Coast, a hunch validated when the out-of-state runner displayed unbeatable finishing power.Although new to the four-year-old, McEvoy noted the gelding's close fourth to Transatlantic, beaten under two lengths,...
Thrilling Takeover Target Stakes goes to King Of Roseau
Peter Snowden, champion handler, lauded the grit and hunger for victory shown by King Of Roseau in the pulsating end to the Listed $250,000 Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) held at Gosford on Saturday."I could see the horse on his inside (Harry's Yacht) making his run with King Of Roseau but...
Dominant Ken Russell Memorial Classic win for $2.7m colt St Gotthard
St Gotthard validated his hefty $2.7 million tag by delivering a spectacular performance to claim the Group 3 $200,000 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) at Gold Coast on Saturday.Under trainer Chris Waller, the youngster was on his second race appearance and extended his flawless slate by drawing away from competitors.James...
Caulfield debut success sends Natural Fling to Queensland riches
Natural Fling, fresh from her winning debut, will chase Queensland targets including a valuable juvenile contest after her Caulfield triumph.Trained by the Tony and Calvin McEvoy combination, the filly was a strong market fancy to win the Sportsbet Feed Handicap (1100m) and she set the pace all the way in...