Inside alley for Bondeiger in Derby
The Danny O'Brien-trained Bondeiger was the big firmer for Saturday's Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby after landing the inside draw at today's barrier draw.
The exciting son of War Pass was terrific in his lead-up run in the Vase at Moonee Valley on Saturday, closing from last with the best sectionals after drawing the outside gate in the feature.
"I couldn't be happier with the horse and draw an inside gate is terrific as it will allow him to settle closer than he did in the Vase," O'Brien said.
Two of the past five Derby winners, Monaco Consul and Polanski, have jumped from the inside gate in a good omen for O'Brien.
"His whole campaign has been built around having him right for the Derby and we head to the race very excited with his chances."
$2.80 favourite Hampton Court drew barrier 11, and trainer Gai Waterhouse said the colt, who opened at $21, was her best Derby chance since her 1995 winner, Nothin’ Leica Dane.
The Chris Waller-trained Preferment remains at $5 on the second line of betting after drawing barrier six.
Moonovermanhattan ($9) will jump from barrier 12, while Atmosphere ($11) drew barrier four; Light Up Manhattan has moved from $21 into $19 after drawing gate seven, with Firehouse Rock remaining at $21 after drawing barrier 10.
The Mark Kavanagh-trained Magicool ($21) drew barrier 16 and the trainer said he was not displeased with an outside draw.
“At least being drawn out there, we won’t get trapped in on the fence,” Kavanagh quipped.
Nozomi ($21) will jump from gate 13 with San Padre to jump from barrier 2, while Godolphin’s Gouldian ($26) has drawn barrier three.
Godolphin racing manager Jason Walsh said the barrier draw was “a beautiful gate for him” and expected the galloper to settle mid-field.
Lotion ($41) has drawn barrier five, Cuban Fighter will jump from barrier nine while the Mighty Jrod ($61) will jump from the outside barrier.
The emergency, Verreaux ($61) drew barrier 14, with Royal Standing ($61) to jump from barrier 15 and Prentice ($201) from barrier eight.
Story by Laura Banks, to view full Racing.com story click here
Photo by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Bruno's website click here