Australian Derby Possible for The Chosen One

Media Release - Saturday March 30

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman stable's four-pronged attack on Saturday's Group III Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Awapuni paid a handsome dividend when they emerged with the quinella in the event.

The Chosen One - Race Images Peter Rubery

The Chosen One - Race Images Peter Rubery

Punters were of the opinion that the Cambridge operation would provide the winner of the race as they installed royally-bred Tavistock filly Spring Delight as favourite ahead of her stablemate, The Chosen One.

As it panned out that judgement proved spot on with Spring Delight hitting the front halfway down the Awapuni straight before succumbing to the powerful late burst of The Chosen One who finished strongly from a mid-field position in the hands of rider Troy Harris.

The Chosen One was having his first start since copping a battering during the running of the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m), with the performance giving his connections food for thought about a lightning raid across the Tasman to contest next weekend's Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick.

"We will have to have a think about that (contesting the Australian Derby)," Murray Baker said.

"If he was to go to Randwick, we would have to fly him over on Tuesday.

"I was confident of a big run today (though).

"I thought they all had a show as they were fit horses and had run well with their previous form.

"It's always good to come back and race (and win) here."

Baker was also delighted with the performance of Spring Delight who was backing up from an impressive victory against the older horses over 2100m at Tauranga last weekend.

"She (Spring Delight) had won well at her last start," he said.

"She had a good draw and got a nice run.

"It was a good effort, especially for a filly.

"We'll have to have a think about where we go next with her."

Owned by a large group that includes his breeders, Joe, Martin, Ray and Tony Dennis, The Chosen One is by Savabeel and is the first foal of outstanding South Island racemare, The Glitzy One, who won eight races and was stakes placed on multiple occasions. – NZ Racing Desk

More Reading...
Sebring Sun Delivers for Owner Breeders
The legacy of Sebring was highlighted last month when his classy daughter Tashi won the Group I Tatts Tiara and for fans of the much missed Golden Slipper winning sire he does have several sons at stud and they include Glenthorne Park Stud’s Sebring Sun, whose winner to runner strike rate is brushing 70%.
Savabeel Blueblood Wins G3 Desert Gold
A copybook ride by Opie Bosson paved the way for promising filly Showbeel to add a valuable black type success to her career record when she took out the first feature race at Trentham on Saturday, the Group III New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes (1600m).
One to Watch – Muswellbrook
Richard and Will Freedman don’t mind travelling horses for the right race and they unleashed a talented two year-old Zousain colt at Muswellbrook on Tuesday.
NZB Counts Down to 100th National Yearling Sale
Karaka 2026, set to take place at NZB’s Karaka Sales Centre from 25 – 29 January, will mark the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand.   
Pride of Dubai Mare Hits Form
Pride Of Aspen looked right at home when she scored a decisive victory in the Cavallo Farms and Chris Rutten Bloodstock Handicap (2200m) at Otaki’s rescheduled meeting on Tuesday.
Mo'Unga Looking to Bounce Back
Trainer Annabel Neasham is looking forward to stepping out Group One winner Mo’unga in the Gr.2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, where she is expecting to see an improved run from the entire.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
There were only three heats won by juveniles at the Warwick Farm trials on Tuesday morning, but they included a couple of youngsters by first season sires Fierce Impact (Jpn) and Peltzer, who sired his first stakes-winner last Saturday in Buccleuch.
FBT Exempt Vehicles and The Private Use Trap
Dealing with the complex Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is one of the many financial challenges that regional breeding and racing operations must face. Any relief from this tax is very welcome!
Quantity and quality in Rich Hill Stud’s Online Breeding Stock Sale draft
Rich Hill Stud is a prominent player in the 2025 National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, offering more than 10 percent of the 87-lot catalogue.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday July 8
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.