Flemington run to decide Different Gravy's Queensland Derby chances
At Flemington, Different Gravy will put his Queensland Derby dreams to the test in upcoming action.
Following a Listed triumph over 1800m at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day last year, trainer Henry Dwyer fixed his focus on the northern Derby.
The Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm scheduled for May 30 was originally approached via a separate itinerary by Dwyer, bypassing the Trevor Clarke Handicap (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Different Gravy was set to chase the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben this Saturday after a Sydney appearance, though a disappointing effort over 1600m at Caulfield in March derailed that strategy.
"Admittedly we knew he was underdone but I thought he would go better at Caulfield," Dwyer said.
"I didn't want to send him up to Sydney off the back of that as I needed him to do something, so Adelaide was an easier option.
"He improved somewhat but still wasn't as good as he can be, so we've left him down here to give ourselves another chance before we pull the trigger and send him to Queensland.
"He needs to improve again, which I think he can and I think he will, but I don't think we've seen the best of him this prep."
Different Gravy came home fourth in the Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) at Morphettville on April 11 before taking out a trial at Caulfield Heath in blinkers, which he'll retain for Saturday.
The Flemington return and 2000m distance are perfect for Different Gravy, according to Dwyer, who says a strong showing is enough to greenlight the Queensland journey.
"I want to see him back at Flemington, a nice big track," Dwyer said.
"A wide barrier is not a bad thing for him as it will give him a bit of space and room to move, so that will give him every chance.
"He's carrying 7-½ kilos more than Matt Cumani's horse (Brave Danza) that was on level weights when he beat him at Flemington in the spring.
"It's always a challenge going through benchmark races against progressive horses that have a lot less weight than you.
"He doesn't necessarily have to win, and I'm not saying he can't, but as long as he finished in the top three or four, I would be confident enough that that would be a good enough run to go to Queensland."
Head to the online bookmakers to find the keenest racing betting markets for the Trevor Clarke Handicap at Flemington.
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