Can Savabeel Filly Orchestral Win NZ Derby?

Media Release - Friday March 1

Winning a Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) is nothing new for Roger James, with the Cambridge trainer looking to extend his tally in the Classic to an even half dozen at Ellerslie on Saturday, while training partner Robert Wellwood will be looking for his first.

Tidal Light (1986), Roysyn (1995), Zonda (1997), Hades (1999), and Silent Achiever (2012) currently fill Kingsclere Stables’ honour roll of New Zealand Derby winners, and they have a $1.40 chance in Orchestral to enhance their record this weekend in the Trackside-sponsored contest.

Orchestral will contest the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.   Photo: Race Images

Wellwood is now into this sixth season training in partnership with James, and while they have had plenty of success in that time, including a Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) victory with Pinarello, a New Zealand Derby has so far eluded him, and he is keen to change that on Saturday.

“When I first started with him (James) I said, ‘you have got to teach me how to win a Derby’. We have done it in Queensland, but I haven’t done it in New Zealand yet, so hopefully this year is the year,” Wellwood told TAB NZ.

“Any Group One or $1 million race is extremely special, but the New Zealand Derby is certainly one I want to tick off and hopefully carry on the tradition for Kingsclere Stables.”

Orchestral looks the horse to do it, having accrued an enviable record of four wins and two placings from seven starts.

Her only unplaced run came in her sole spring outing when 10th in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1400m) at Hastings in September, and Wellwood said the decision to put her aside has been a masterstroke.

Orchestral has subsequently been runner-up in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe in December before winning her next three starts, including the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m).

“In the spring we weren’t going the right way and fortunately we had the support of the owners to back off her and it is paying dividends now,” Wellwood said. “I think that is why we have got her in the order we do at this stage of her career.

Advertisement

“Craig (Grylls, jockey) was a bit blown away after the Avondale Guineas. He said he thought he was going to win and then got to the 200m and he said she kept accelerating, got to the 50m and she accelerated more and gave him an incredible feel. Hopefully he is saying the same after the Derby.”

Grylls also has a proud record in the Derby, having won it aboard Crown Prosecutor in 2019 and Rocket Spade in 2021.

James is delighted to have another exciting Derby prospect and believes Orchestral will lap up the 2400m with her two-kilogram advantage against the boys.

“She had her first run over ground in the Avondale Guineas, she ran through the line, and I am very confident a mile and a half will be right up her alley,” he said.

“We are aware that she has become a bit of a public figure. It is so good for racing if we share the journey and give a lot of people joy, hopefully.”

Like Wellwood, the Derby has always been the pinnacle race in New Zealand for James, who would love to add another to his mantle this weekend.

“It was the race when I got my trainer’s ticket that I most wanted to win, so I am never going to get sick of them,” he said. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Orchestral to Run in G1 Toorak
New Zealand’s darling of the turf Orchestral is set to cross the Tasman this week to tackle the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Familiar Faces Win $100,000 Jumps Features at Sandown
Jumps racing took centre stage at Sandown on Sunday with some familiar colours and faces winning both the $100,000 Australian Steeplechase (3900m) and the $100,000 Australian Hurdle (3900m).
The Secret is Out!
He has big shoes to fill as a half-brother to a $12million earner, but there is no secret about his ability! 
Sires With Winners - Saturday May 31
Here is the full list of 116 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Aussie Bred Trifecta in G3 Sha Tin Vase
Toronado (IRE) gelding Helios Express led home a tricta for Aussie bred sprinters in the Group III Sha Tin Vase (1200m) on Saturday defeating Invincible Sage (Thronum) and Patch of Theta (Zoustar).
Magic Justify x Fastnet Rock Cross Strikes in Hong Kong
With Justify’s very best son City of Troy (USA) shuttling to Coolmore Australia this spring it’s worth remembering the power of the Justify x Fastnet Rock nick and we saw it to the fore at Sha Tin on Saturday when Australian bred four year-old Pray for Mir took out the Group III The Lion Rock Trophy (1600m).
G1 Bonecrusher Next for Orchestral
Ellerslie has been the home of several of Orchestral’s career highlights, and trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are hoping she can add another on Saturday when she contests the $1 million Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m).
New Classic Prospect and New Aussie 2YO Winner for Wootton Bassett
The Group III JRA Derby Trial (2000m) at Baden Baden in Germany overnight produced a new stakes-winner for Wootton Bassett (GB) with lightly raced colt Juwelier staking a claim for classic success.
Research on Equliume Light Mask
Don’t take our word for granted ….. Research on the Equilume Light mask for the pregnant mare and foal
Orchestral Back This Saturday
Saturday will mark the return of racing to Ellerslie Racecourse and last season’s New Zealand Champion Three-Year-Old Orchestral.