Racing: Joe's Legacy ready to take on big guns at NZ Derby

Joe's Legacy at Ellerslie. Photo / Trish Dunell

Lightly tried Matamata galloper Joe's Legacy has earned himself a shot at the big time.

A strong effort against the older horses last time at Ellerslie has prompted the Guillotine gelding's connections to give the green light to a tilt at Saturday's Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m).

Joe's Legacy ran second on debut in January before he went one better at Matamata and then finished third over 2100m.

"He got parked wide and he stuck on pretty well so he deserves his chance in the Derby," part-owner and trainer Jason Price said.

"He stepped up from a midweek maiden to the Rating 65 grade, it was encouraging and he's done well since.

"He's been bouncing around the paddock. He's got form on rain-affected tracks, but he will be better on top of the ground."

In other Derby news, Australian-trained 3-year-old Civil Disobedience will have a look around Ellerslie this morning.

The New Zealand-bred son of Raise The Flag will gallop there in preparation for Saturday's classic.

Trained by Darren Weir, Civil Disobedience has won four of his 10 starts including the Tasmanian Derby (2200m) last start when he blew away an admittedly not high class field.

But that effort confirmed his trip to Auckland and he has been backed in from $61 to now $12 to win the great race with the New Zealand TAB.

Ben Allen has been booked for the Derby ride.

Civil Disobedience will be the first starter in New Zealand for champion trainer Weir, who set an Australian record for wins in a season last term.

He won't be the only big name with a group one target galloping at Ellerslie this morning, with unbeaten Karaka Million (1200m) winner Avantage also due to gallop to further her preparation for the Sistema Stakes (1200m) on Saturday week.

The Derby market will become clearer as the weather picture does toward the end of the week, with some small changes after the barrier draw held on Trackside Radio tomorrow. The TAB currently have Danzdancedance and Scott Base at $5 ahead of Avondale Guineas winner On The Rocks and Vin De Dance at $6.50 and Mission Hill at $8.

Joe's Legacy is rated a $41 hope. Meanwhile, his stablemate Flaunt It Girl's 2-year-old campaign is over following her trip to New Plymouth where she was unplaced in the Phoenix Park Classic (1200m).

"We were happy with her under the circumstances, but she pulled up a bit average so we've put her out for the season," Price said. "She'll [return] for the early 3-year-old fillies' races."

Flaunt It Girl placed twice from six appearances, including a third behind the unbeaten Melt in the listed Ashford Lodge Stakes (1200m).

- NZ Racing Desk

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