Derby Review: Pure Grit
Published: 01 Nov 2015
Classic winner - Tarzino was too good in the Derby on Saturday
Since 1780, when the 12th Earl of Derby named the first race at Epsom in England, the 'Derby' has always been known as the classic staying race for three-year-olds.
Today we got to see the epic contest at it's best.
After a steady start to the race, IRON BOSS made a dash for the lead, in a move that mirrored a Tour De France rider breaking from the pack. The extra pressure got the big field chasing as the jockeys jostled for position.
All eyes were on short-priced favourite TARZINO in the run and despite the desperate action around him, jockey Craig Newitt always kept a cool head, keeping his mount balanced and guiding him into space when it mattered.
As the field stretched out down the long Flemington straight, the weaker gallopers dropped off quickly. First IRON BOSS, who's bold move came undone 800 metres from home, then the well-fancied SHARDS and LIZARD ISLAND all found the Derby distance beyond them.
In a show of pure grit and stamina, TARZINO strode away, with only Godolphin's ETYMOLOGY raising any sort of effort from the pack.
A classic win in a classic Group One race.
Top 5 Analysis
1st TARZINO
Urged forward (4th 2W), bit keen early, settled better with tempo on (back to 9th), tracked up wider turn (with trail), surged clear
The class runner in the race and he proved to be the superior horse over 2,500 metres. His lead-up form was very good, running home against the bias at Moonee Valley the week before behind a talented filly. You could see from recent runs that he'd been leaving the gates well before being restrained back in the field. They were always going to be more positive for the 'grand final', a move that could have made the difference.
Bred from Tavistock, out of a Zabeel mare, he can mature into a classic Cups winner in years to come.
"He just travelled for me all the way. I was counting to ten at the top of the straight and when I went for him he found.."
Craig Newitt
2nd ETYMOLOGY
Jumped nicely (8th 3W WC), slotted in 2W mid-race, tracked up nicely 400m, chased hard after winner - big gap to 3rd
He isn't the biggest horse, but he's a classy type with good blood-lines. His lead up run into this over 2,000 metres was the run of a stayer, warming up nicely to the line with a nice efficient stride.
A talent for the future if he continues to develop.
"Super run, (you) could almost make a case he could have won the race if he got out and got going.."
James McDonald
3rd KIA ORA KOUTOU
Urged to hold spot (9th rails), edged off rails turn and ridden (not much room), came wider 200m and stayed on
The first time the West Australian has been beaten and he was far from disgraced, making good ground late after getting slightly held up early in the straight.
Has hit the line in all of his starts so far, his genuineness is sure to take him a long way.
"I got a bit further back than I would have liked (and) had trouble getting into the moving line coming to the corner. Once he got out he hit the line good."
Joseph Azzopardi
4th RED ALTO
Jumped ok, urged forward, bit keen early (8th 2W), swept around them quickly home turn (no trail), led 400m, stuck on ok
The surprise run of the race, jockey Opie Bosson wouldn't have expected the long shot to come into the race so quickly when he let him go on the turn. He dashed to the lead and showed some fight to just miss 4th after a ride that was far from ideal.
An adaptable type with stamina and bred from HIGH CHAPPARAL, out of a FASTNET ROCK mare, there's big scope to improve.
"Bit of a surprise really!"
Opie Bosson
5th PAY UP BRO
Slowish (12th 2W), stoked up coming wide turn (with trail), loomed, ground home solidly
He's one solid galloper that just seems to lack the dash needed at the end of his races. Produced another game effort here, but he may need conditions to suit in the future to score a win.
One of those horses that will always be a 'place chance'.
"I was on the back of Craig (Newitt) at the right time, but he just couldn’t quicken."
Brenton Avdulla
6th to 16th Quotes
6th COLONEL CUSTER
"Did a great job under the circumstances. He got across but we had to do some work. He was the only horse to be able to close off after being forward in the run."
Craig Williams
7th SCADDEN'S RUN
"Never in it."
Jim Cassidy
8th LIZARD ISLAND
"Didn’t see the trip out, (after) he tracked-up like the winner at the 600 metre mark."
Blake Shinn
9th SHARDS
"Didn’t stay."
Hugh Bowman
10th PALACE TYCOON
"Ran below expectations."
Daniel Stackhouse
11th GET THE PICTURE
"Couldn’t offer an excuse for him."
Damien Oliver
12th AYERS ROCK
"He was on tired legs today."
Darren Gauci
13th JADEER
"Slipped at the start, then about the 700 to 800 metre mark he nearly crashed. That was his race done and dusted!"
Dwayne Dunn
14th EXTRA CHOICE
"Pulled a plate so didn’t finish off because of that."
Ben Melham
15th MAN OF CHOICE
"Got a bit lost going that way..."
Sam Clipperton
16th IRON BOSS
"He’s still a colt, I don’t think he will be next campaign!"
Tommy Berry
Check out the Melbourne Cup Race Guide - on-line Monday 9am