Racing: Derby hopefuls travel well

Shocking Luck contests the Rough Habit Plate at Doomben on Saturday. Photo / NZ Racing Desk

Atrip away is playing a significant role in the development of Shocking Luck, who promises a strong performance in Saturday's group three Rough Habit Plate at Doomben.

"He's always been quite an immature horse, more so mentally, but he's done a bit of travelling now coming up here from Sydney and that's helped him grow up more," said Jamie Richards, who trains with Stephen Autridge, from Brisbane.

"He's in really good form and I've been very pleased with him. He's able to run on the pace and keep rolling along and 2000 metres will suit him on Saturday."

Shocking Luck made his first appearance since his second placing in February's Waikato Guineas when he finished runner-up over 1500 metres at Ipswich earlier this month. He was ridden by Opie Bosson, who will be aboard again on Saturday.

"He's done well since then and Opie was very happy with his work on Tuesday morning so everything is looking good," Richards said.

Shocking Luck's main target is the group one Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on June 10.

Richards is also looking forward to the Australian debuts of Hall Of Fame in the Queensland Day Stakes and Zambezi Warrior in the Chairman's Handicap. Zambezi Warrior, who will be partnered by Jeff Lloyd, has taken benefit from his most recent effort for second at Avondale.

"That was probably a bit of trainer error. We wanted him on the fresh side and we left him a bit underdone and he came to the end of his run," Richards said.

Comin'through, who will race as Here He Comes in Australia, will carry added stable responsibility when he opens his Queensland Derby campaign at Doomben.

Trainers Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs have lost the services of the classic favourite Tavidream following his sale to Hong Kong interests.

"It's sad to see him go, but it was terrific money and that would take an awful lot of winning." Tavidream won five of his seven starts, including the group two Championship Stakes at his final appearance, and finished runner-up in his other two appearances. He is expected to do his future racing from Peter Ho's Hong Kong stable.

With the son of Tavistock out of the picture for Brisbane, it will be up to Here He Comes to fly the stable flag and he will make his Australian debut this weekend in the Rough Habit Plate.

"He looks fantastic, he travelled over well and I'm very pleased with him," Logan said.

The son of Bullbars has been ridden in all three of his victories by Leith Innes, who will continue his association with the gelding on Saturday.

- NZ Racing Desk