Kiwi 3YO Stakes Derby Claim

Media Release - Wednesday May 22

Talented three-year-old stayer First Innings has booked a place in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) after coming from last to land a 2180m three-year-old handicap at Ipswich on Wednesday.

The Andrew Forsman-trained son of Contributer went back to last under jockey Jim Byrne and crept into the race shortly before rounding the home turn, making his run widest on the tight-turning Queensland track to score a resounding two length victory over a competitive field.

First Innings winning at Pukekohe before relocating to Andrew Forsman’s Australian stable. Photo: Trish Dunell

Forsman was on course to oversee proceedings and was delighted to see the race run to suit his charge.

“We thought we were up against it from the barrier draw (14) but the pressure in that first 600m was pretty brutal and set it up for him. He is a genuine stayer,” Forsman said.

“If they run the Derby like that in a week and a half, we will be happy.

“He is a progressive horse who will be a nice stayer as he matures and gets older, but he really is thriving and coming into his own.”

Forsman was acutely aware of the record of jockey Jim Byrne at the unique circuit, where Byrne has won nine senior premierships at Ipswich as well as three apprenticeship titles and is known as the "King of Ipswich".

“I did my research and Jimmy had done his research too. He knew all about the horse and told me how it was all going to unfold and thankfully it worked out,” Forsman

Advertisement

“I think we will have to put Jimmy on in the Derby. He is a class jockey and he has ridden him a treat today.”

Wednesday’s victory in the A$75,000 contest is likely to provide First Innings with enough prizemoney to make the Derby field.

A maiden winner in New Zealand, First Innings was a well held tenth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) but freshened up well to catch the eye when third in the Gr.3 Championship Stakes (2100m) behind stablemate Moonlight Magic.  

First Innings is raced by bloodstock agent Michael Hughes in conjunction with ex-pat Kiwis Cam and Chas Stewart, who are now based on the North Queensland coast at Noosa where they run a seafood business.

In conjunction with Goodwood Stud, the Stewarts bred First Innings, who is out of the Pins mare Dream Run, who finished fourth in the Gr.3 Lowland Stakes (2100m) for Paul and Kris Shailer.

While First Innings has now earned A$78,152 in prizemoney and is set to leap up the order of entry for the Queensland Derby, for which he is rated a $15 chance,  stablemate Moonlight Magic looks doubtful to gain a start in Saturday’s Gr.2 The Roses (2000m), where she is fourth emergency. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Coolmore Favs get the Flemington Straight Experience in Jump Outs
Beiwacht, Beadman and Skyhook, three of the top four in the market for next month’s Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes had a jump out down the Flemington straight on Friday with Beadman quite the eye-catcher.
Premier Racing Stables for Sale in New Zealand
A unique opportunity to get a foothold in the heart of thoroughbred country in New Zealand has arisen offering both functionality and prestige within an ideal base to pursue racing success in the leading equine region in the country.
Henry Longfellow Pedigree Gets an Update
Group I winning Dubawi stallion Henry Longfellow (IRE) is covering his first Australian book of mares at Rosemont Stud this spring and overnight in Ireland his two year-old sister-in-blood landed her first Group race win.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
The Rosehill trials on Friday morning featured a couple of juvenile heats and both winners came out of the Widden Stud draft at Magic Millions with one topping the sale at $2.8million and the other selling for a modest $150,000.
Good News Week for Geisel Park
Geisel Park’s black-type mare Laced Up Heels is in foal off a maiden cover to Champion Australian Sire Zoustar and an orphan foal has found a new mum.
2025 G1 Spring Champion – Pedigree Preview
A lot of attention is paid to the sprinting three year-old division and much less so to the stayers, but with $2million in prizemoney the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday has attracted a full field of 14 and all of them are on trial at the trip.
$140,000 NZB Ready to Run Graduate Books Ticket to G1 Victoria Derby
Bred for stamina being by Melbourne Cup winner Shoicking from a daughter of Tavistock, talented Kiwi bred three-year-old Azazel has booked his passage for the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) on Saturday week after a tough victory in the Listed Roderick Insurance Brokers 3YO Geelong Classic (2200m) at Geelong on Thursday.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 22
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Bold Showing Tipped for Yes Yes Yes 2YO
Speed Demon will be given every opportunity to live up to his name when he makes his debut at Ellerslie.
Tarzino Stayer Wins G3 Geelong Cup
Trainer Paul Preusker will get another tilt at a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Torranzino ran out a strong winner of the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Thursday.