NZ Derby Contender for Dundeel

Tara Madgwick - Friday January 25

Exciting three-year-old Cutadeel made it three wins on-end when victorious in the Rogers Racing Stables 1600 at Counties on Friday.

CutadeelThe Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained stakes winner is a joint $8 favourite for the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie in March on the TAB's futures market and he lost no admirers with his winning effort.

The son of Dundeel was sent back from his wide gate by jockey Opie Bosson to sit midfield for the majority of the race before he was able to pick up his rivals in the straight to win by three-quarters of a length.

"Opie rode him a treat, that was a ten out of ten ride and while the margin wasn't that big I think he had a little bit of horse left there too," Forsman said.

While there are a number of paths Cutadeel could take into the New Zealand Derby, Forsman said it was likely his runner would contest either the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) or Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) in the lead-up.

Advertisement

"They are a week apart now, so that's the problem, so Murray will work that out," Forsman said. "He will talk with the owners and they will figure out a path, but it will be one or the other, he wouldn't need to run in both.

"2000m, he has already performed over the trip, it won't hold any fears, and then just one run into the derby."

Bosson was just as pleased with Cutadeel's performance and believes he is a genuine Derby prospect.

"He's a classy horse, it was a pretty good effort coming back to the mile with 59.5 kilos against the older horses," he said. "He's definitely a Derby horse." - NZ RAcing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
One to Watch – Canberra
John Sargent has a great record with Oaks type fillies and is no doubt thinking that way with this blue-blooded Dundeel filly that broke the ice for her first win at Canberra on Friday.
Swettenham Stud Delighted with Lofty Strike Foals
Swettenham Stud are delighted with the growing buzz of excitement surrounding the first foals for young gun sire Lofty Strike.
Best On Breeding
Saturday’s $500,000 Inglis Banner (RL) kickstarts a wonderful day of racing on Ladbrokes Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley.
Waikato Stud Secure Super Seth
New Zealand’s Waikato Stud has secured a majority share in star three-year-old colt Super Seth, the son of emerging super stallion Dundeel.
Kiwi Raider Pier Upbeat Ahead of Epsom
Co-trainer and part-owner Darryn Weatherley is taking a glass half full approach ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) after he came up with an awkward wide gate for Pier.
2025 G1 The Metropolitan Field and Barrier Draw
Chris Waller and Ciaron Maher are set to have half of the Group I Metropolitan field between them with the Waller trained Birdman an easing favourite after drawing a wide gate for Saturday’s race.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.
Goffs Orby Day 2 - Trio of Million Dollar Yearling Fillies
The second day of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale took off overnight with three individual yearlings selling for a million or more with the full sister to dual Group I winning champion 2YO Colt Blackbeard selling for €1.9 million to MV Magnier.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday September 30
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
2025 G1 Epsom Handicap Field and Barrier Draw
The field and barrier draw has been decided for the Group I Epsom Handicap on Saturday with odds-on favourite and unbeaten mare Autumn Glow drawing the extreme outside gate in a field of 14.