Few things went right for Derry Grove at his racetrack debut over 1000m at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, but the son of Star Turn overcame all obstacles to win in the manner of a horse with a future.
Ridden by Nash Rawiller for trainer Matthew Dunn, Derry Grove began awkwardly and was well-back early.
Eased to the centre of the track, Derry Grove came with a barnstorming finish to defeat the favourite Boomsong (Your Song) by a half-neck with Miss Glenn (Written Tycoon) a short-neck back in third.
Dunn said he thought the race had been run at the start as the plan was to lead.
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uo;It was a good win because it did not go to plan. The idea was to be in front, but that did not work out when he jumped a bit crooked,” Dunn said.
“It was an impressive win, and he is a horse with a big future.
“We bought him as a yearling, and it took a long time for him to mature. He had a few slight problems early and we just had to wait and let him find his spot.
“They are a good bunch of owners who have been patient and now he will pay them back.”
Derry Grove was a $31,000 pinhook by Jorson Farm from the Three Bridges draft at the 2019 National Weanling Sale but bought a $1,000 less when knocked down to Viva Racing/Matthew Dunn/Neil Jenkinson at the 2020 magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
“He wasn’t expensive. Neil (Jenkinson) has been with us a long time now and he is a big help to me in more ways than just finding nice yearlings,” Dunn said.
“It good to see these guys get a result today.
“In his trials he has been on speed or in front, so it was good to seem him adapt as well as he did.
“You are full of confidence when Nash rides them and he got the job done for us today.”
Derry Grove is the third winner from five to race out of the Elusive Quality (USA) mare True Malt.
The winner of a Toowoomba maiden, True Malt is a daughter of talented racemare Strawberry Malt whose six wins include the Listed QTC Golden Garter Hcp and Listed Bright Shadow Hcp.
Simple Bloodstock Services paid $130,000 for an All Too Hard colt out of True Malt when offered by Bucklee Farm at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
True Malt has a yearling colt by Palentino and was covered by Magnus last spring.
Vinery Stud’s Star Turn sired his second winner on the day when the Stuart Kendrick-trained Avolonte led at every call over 1100m on a rain-soaked poly track at the Sunshine Coast.
