Racing: Handsome Zulu gives trainer a crack at Randwick victory

Matamata trainer John Sargent will farewell Handsome Zulu after the AJC Derby at Randwick today - a goodbye he hopes will be a rewarding one.

Handsome Zulu's new career will be in Hong Kong after a recent sale, but Sargent has a crack at winning his first Derby in Australasia with a horse he is confident will run well.

"I think he's a good chance, at least we know he will get to the line, that's the main thing. A lot of his rivals won't."

Sargent's confidence over the Derby distance comes from Handsome Zulu's strong run for third in the $2.2 million New Zealand Derby on March 6.

He could have been closer to winner Military Move if jockey Mark Du Plessis had made his run sooner, but Du Plessis wasn't sure of the horse's ability to stay, Sargent said.

Du Plessis gives way to Hong Kong jockey Alex Lai today, a decision made by the Handsome Ransom gelding's new owners.

Chinese-born Lai, 26, has been riding for six years and spent a part of the first year of his apprenticeship in Australia. He is in 13th place in the Hong Kong premiership.

"We could have got one of the top Australian jockeys but it is the owner's choice. I think he goes all right, so we will go with it."

Handsome Zulu worked quietly at Randwick on Thursday and did so again yesterday.

Sargent rates Rosehill Guineas winner Zabrasive, Australian Guineas winner Rock Classic and New Zealand Oaks winner Keep The Peace as the horses to beat.

"Keep The Peace looks pretty good on her Oaks form," said Sargent.

Handsome Zulu, Keep The Peace and Monaco Consul form a strong New Zealand challenge in the Derby, a race the country won two years ago with Nom du Jeu.

Zabrasive was a $3 favourite on the New Zealand TAB on Thursday, ahead of Rock Classic on $4.60, Shoot Out $6.50, Keep The Peace $8, Handsome Zulu on $10, former New Zealander Descarado on $11 and Monaco Consul on $16.

The odds were more generous for most of them in Australia, with Keep The Peace at A$9.50 and Handsome Zulu A$12 with TAB Sportsbet.

Victoria Derby runner-up Extra Zero is proven over a Derby distance and is working better into the AJC Australian Derby than he was leading into the Flemington feature in the spring.

That's the opinion of his trainer David Hayes who believes Extra Zero will start over the odds in the 2400m Classic.

Extra Zero finished second to Monaco Consul in the Victoria Derby (2500m) in November and Hayes said the colt was a much stronger horse this time around.

Hayes also has Legalistic backing-up in the Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) today after his 2-length fifth to Skilled in the Listed Baillieu Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on Golden Slipper Day.

"He hung in there all the way," the trainer said. "I think this time with that run under his belt he'll sit on the pace and I'm hoping for a first three finish."

- NZPA, AAP