The three placegetters from the Tulloch Stakes are in line to back up in the ATC Australian Derby, although connections of winner Pocketing will have to pay a late entry fee to run.
Pocketing wasn’t entered for the Group 1 classic after he pulled up with cardiac arrhythmia following a Midway Handicap in February, but he subsequently rebounded to win another Midway and Tuesday’s rescheduled Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.
Will Freedman confirmed they will consider paying the $44,000 late entry fee to back up in Saturday’s Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick.
“He had cardiac arrhythmia in a Midway and ran last so everything went off the table then,” co-trainer Will Freedman said.
“There is a decision to make today. I will be guided by Josh (Parr) a bit. He has gone from 1600 to 2000 so he was probably entitled to not be savaging the line.
“We will see how he pulls up. Fortunately, he’s at home so he is only going across the road to go back to his box. The four-day back-up I’m not too concerned about.
“It’s probably whether he stays 2400 but do many of them? Probably not.”
Connections have until 6pm (AEST) on Tuesday to decide whether to pay the acceptance fee.
Jockey Josh Parr said Pocketing relaxed well in the run and did a good job after he was forced to put him into the race early.
“We had to go into the first corner to obtain a position. He found that position and relaxed well,” Parr said.
“I must say that he was tough because (rival) Format was under pressure a long way from home and forced me around him. Essentially, I went for him quite early.”
Freedman said if Pocketing ($9) didn’t head to the Derby he was would likely be spelled.
The winner got the verdict by a short half-head over Firm Agreement ($9) with King Of Thunder ($5.50) another head away in a tight finish.
Annabel Neasham was thrilled with Firm Agreement’s return to form and said they would likely accept for the Derby and monitor him over the coming days.
“Off that run, we probably have to think about it,” Neasham said.
“He had a soft enough run for the first half of the race.”
John O’Shea is also planning on backing up third placegetter King Of Thunder, who was doing his best work late despite being uncomfortable in the heavy conditions.
“It’s what we were hoping for, to see him execute well and finish off well,” O’Shea said.
“He’s not overly happy in that ground and it probably negated his finish a little. But he was good through the line, he pulled up well and that was a nice hit-out for Saturday.”
The final field and barrier draw for the Australian Derby will be announced on Tuesday evening.
