New Zealand Derby winner Willydoit can claim rare Derby double in Sydney
Kiwi star Willydoit is equal favourite for the Australian Derby next month and looks set to get his chance in the Group 1 showpiece.
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Kiwi sensation Willydoit is poised to get his chance to claim a rare Derby double at Royal Randwick next month before joining Australian racing powerhouse Ciaron Maher.
Trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy have got the opportunity to chase a slice of history with the soon-to-depart gelding following his brilliant New Zealand Derby success last Saturday.
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Willydoit was originally set to move to Maher in Australia following the NZ Derby after 50 per cent was purchased by MyRacehorse, however the decision was made to keep the gelding with the Clotworthys until the end of this preparation.
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It gives the Clotworthys the chance to plot a course towards the Group 1 $2m Australian Derby (2400m) on April 5 if Willydoit continues to impress in the aftermath of his NZ win.
Mongolian Khan is the only horse this century to complete the New Zealand-Australian Derby double for trainer Murray Baker in 2015.
The last horse before that was Kiwi champion Bonecrusher in 1986.
“We will go straight to the Australian Derby now from here, that’s the plan at the moment,” Shaun Clotworthy said.
“We haven’t quite finalised when he’d come over, or if he is definitely going to be in the Derby, but he’s pulled up well and so we will give him three or four days in the paddock and have a look at him.
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“If we are happy with him in the next week or so, we will get over there, maybe a week before the Derby.”
Willydoit caught the eye of Australian based connections as he amassed a superb record of four wins and a placing from six starts in New Zealand.
The son of Tarzino could barely have been more impressive in his maiden Group 1 triumph, producing a sustained staying effort on speed to salute under the urging of Victorian-based hoop Michael Dee.
“He used a bit of gas early and still found to win,” Clotsworthy said.
“It was a great effort. He’s got a great stride length and is a good athlete.
“He is still pretty raw and isn’t a complete product yet but is quite an exciting horse.”
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Bookies rate Willydoit as an equal Australian Derby favourite alongside Victoria Derby winner Goldrush Guru at $4.
NZ Derby runner up Thedoctoroflove is being set for a rematch with Willydoit in the Australian Derby with co-trainer Trent Busuttin confirming plans to push on to the coveted Classic.
Thedoctoroflove is a $15 chance in Australian Derby betting.
Originally published as New Zealand Derby winner Willydoit can claim rare Derby double in Sydney
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