Victoria Derby 2016: Sacred Elixir in good order for his grand final after “soft Valley win”

HAVING the interrupted run in transit in Saturday’s Vase might be a blessing for Victoria Derby favourite Sacred Elixir, who pulled up in perfect order.

Damian Lane eases Sacred Elixir (left) down after his strong win in the Super Vase at Moonee Valley. Picture: AAP

HAVING the interrupted run in transit in Saturday’s Vase might be a blessing for Victoria Derby favourite Sacred Elixir, who pulled up in perfect order.

Sacred Elixir was still able to win the Vase, despite having to change course at the top of the straight.

“In the end it was a relatively soft win because of that traffic he encountered and it wasn’t a hard run at all,” Pike said.

“He was bright on Saturday night and good again (Sunday) morning.

“We gave him a light trot around the bull ring and my job now is to just keep him in one piece this week.”

New Zealand trainer Tony Pike returns to Melbourne on Wednesday to supervise Sacred Elixir’s final gallop on Thursday. Picture: AAP

Sacred Elixir is attempting to become the sixth horse to complete the Vase-Victoria Derby double and first since Efficient in 2006. Last year’s Derby winner Tarzino ran third to Jameka in the Vase.

Pike returned to New Zealand on Sunday night but will be back in Australia Wednesday night to supervise Sacred Elixir’s final gallop on Thursday.

Assuming all is well with travel from Hong Kong, Zac Purton is expected to be confirmed as his rider on Monday.

Pike admits he’s been waiting a long time to get the J.J. Atkins winner to Flemington.

“I’ve always thought he would be a Derby horse, but obviously a lot of water has to go under the bridge before we get to this point,” he said.

“He’s not at his best on tight turning tracks, but he’s still managed to win two of three this time in at them. Flemington should suit him down to the ground.

“I thought he was really good in the last little bit on Saturday and I’m exactly where I wanted to be with him.”

Backing up Pike’s assertion that it was not a tough run on Saturday, the Vase clocked in more than 4.5 seconds slower than Winx did in taking the Cox Plate, so it was more just a sprint home.

Originally published as Victoria Derby 2016: Sacred Elixir in good order for his grand final after “soft Valley win”