Derby Trial awaits Grinzinger Star

Trainer Danny O'Brien will test New Zealand-bred three-year-old Grinzinger Star in the Geelong Classic on Wednesday week before deciding if he pushes on to the VRC Derby with the talented colt.

The son of Reliable Man, sent out a $1.65 favourite in Friday's 2200m maiden event at Ballarat, pulled out all stops for jockey Damien Oliver to secure his first victory at start four and O'Brien is very happy with his charge's progression.

"He still does a lot wrong, which has me optimistic for his future as he is performing while still not putting it all together yet," O'Brien said.

"He hit the front very early today and all he wanted to do was have a look around, lay in and wait for them a bit, but he did kick again at the 100m to get the job done."

O'Brien said the step up in trip was the catalyst for the colt turning his past two third placings into a win.

"He relished the trip and we will test him in the Derby Trial next and that will decide if we push onto the Victoria Derby, or whether we wait until the Autumn.

"You need to be doing everything right in your races to make it to that level in the Spring, so we will see if today brings him on further or if it's time to ease up on him," the Cox Plate winning trainer said.

Pic by Racing Photos