Racing: Confident Laing directs Polanski at Derby

Polanski, outer, outstays San Diego on Saturday. Photo / Getty Images

Victorian trainer Robbie Laing's belief that Polanski was "an absolute certainty" in Saturday's Norman Robinson Stakes at Caulfield was justified as the colt ran down the favourite, San Diego, to win the group three contest.

In the process, Polanski, who cost A$4000 as a yearling, further enhanced his Victoria Derby prospects, firming to the third line of betting for the A$1.5 million Classic.

Jockey Hugh Bowman is adamant the colt has "more in the tank" heading towards the 2500m Derby in two weeks.

The Laing-trained Polanski was sent out a $6 chance in the 2000m race on the back of a last-start win at Flemington. After settling with a perfect trail, he went out after leader San Diego ($4.40) and was able to get home by a head.

The pair cleared out by four lengths over the rest of the field, which was led in by Epic Saga ($11).

"I thought he was an absolute certainty," Laing said.

His reasoning had been Polanski was exposed too early and was at his top from a long way out last start at Flemington.

And he had improved "three to four lengths" since. "A lot of people took away from his win because of his last 100 yards," Laing said.

"His fitness had improved and I thought if he gets a bit of cover today he'll hit the line hard."

Laing believes he has another genuine Derby contender in Dark Thunder, who runs in Wednesday's Geelong Classic.

Bowman said he would be keen to stick with Polanski in the Derby.

"I just think you haven't seen the best of him yet and he's going to be a genuine Derby contender."

Meanwhile, Arabian Gold showed she has the credentials to contest the VRC Oaks when she passed a middle-distance test with her win in the Ethereal Stakes.

However, Warwick Farm trainer David Vandyke said he wants to make sure of Arabian Gold's bona fides as an Oaks chance.

With that in mind, Vandyke will run the filly in the Wakeful Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day, to determine if she is strong enough for the 2500m of the Oaks.

Arabian Gold, the $3.20 favourite, travelled comfortably in fourth and by the 200m she had raced to the lead before holding off a challenge from Solicit ($7) in winning by a half-length. Refer ($26) was 1 lengths away third.

Vandyke said the Caulfield Cup Day win was special for owner Nick Moraitis, who had remained in Sydney.

Among Moraitis' many fine racing moments, none may have been greater than watching his powerhouse stayer Might And Power win the 1997 Caulfield Cup.

"That was a tough staying test and she passed with flying colours," Vandyke said of Arabian Gold.

"I'm concerned at her running 2500m, especially at this age, but I can't see them running along quicker than they just did then.

"She's going to have the experience of this one under her belt, but we won't go to the Oaks unless I'm 100 per cent happy with her after the Wakeful."

Solicit's trainer Mark Zahra said Arabian Gold proved more seasoned than his filly but he will look for a rematch in the Wakeful in two weeks.

"If she pulls up well after the Wakeful then we will go to the Oaks."

- AAP