Champion jockey Zac Purton to ride Deal N’ Dash in Saturday’s ATC Derby

Jet-setting jockey Zac Purton has bolstered his rides for Day 1 of The Championships at Randwick on Saturday.

Champion jockey Zac Purton

Champion rider Zac Purton’s stocks for Day 1 of The Championships have surged, securing the ride on the Bjorn Baker-trained Deal N’ Dash in Saturday’s ATC Derby (2400m).

Purton secures the mount following the three-year-old gelding’s luckless eighth placed finish in Tuesday’s Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) won by Pocketing in a thrilling finish over Firm Agreement.

The son of Dundeel was the hard luck story from the 2000 metre Derby lead up, failing to get a look at them at any stage when appearing to have plenty to offer from the home turn onwards.

Deal N’ Dash is currently rated a $15 chance for the Derby as connections sweat on a start in the showpiece event.

Heading Derby markets at $3.50 apiece is New Zealand star Willydoit and the Chris Waller-trained Aeliana.

Purton rolls into town on Saturday to partner Breeders’ Cup winner Moira for her Australian debut in the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap.

Now with champion trainer Chris Waller, Moira is at $11 ahead of Tuesday night’s barrier draw.

Purton has also picked up the ride on another Baker-trained hopeful on Saturday, booked for Strada Vareena in the Group 1 Sires’ (1400m).

The Street Boss filly debuted with a smart debut win at Canterbury at the end of February before finishing fourth in the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes.

Originally published as Champion jockey Zac Purton to ride Deal N’ Dash in Saturday’s ATC Derby