Racing: Patience key to Derby triumph

Steven Reid always has a positive outlook on life in his chosen profession as a horse trainer but couldn't contain himself after the running of the $125,000 Great Northern Derby at Alexandra Park on Friday night.

The Reid-trained Monkey King ignored pre-race reputations when overcoming a lack of racing experience to take out the Group One feature event for 3-year-old pacers.

"Every trainer in New Zealand has two ambitions - to train a Derby and New Zealand Cup winner. So winning the Great Northern Derby is one of the most satisfying moments in my career," said Reid.

"We were stressing out a little bit before this race as Monkey King was kicked by another horse and cut one of his front knees which meant we missed a vital lead-up race.

"I had to race him at Alexandra Park a week ago and I wasn't that keen on backing him up a week later and throwing him into a Group One race against Pay Me Christian and Jays Debut but it was forced on us.

"It really underlines how talented this horse is racing back-to-back and coming out in his fifth race start and winning a Derby.

"I spoke to Todd [Mitchell, regular driver of Monkey King] after the Derby and he told me the horse didn't feel as sharp as he was a week ago. But he showed plenty of heart to fight it out with Ambro The Thug down the home straight to win.

"I wasn't keen on this horse when he was in our stable last season as a 2-year-old as he use to brush a knee quite badly in his pacing action and jump out of his gear all the time.

"We just decided to back off and get him qualified to race then threw him out in the paddock and forgot about him.

"When I came back from the United States after campaigning a team of horses up there, Monkey King was back doing jogging work and he looked a different horse.

"The decision to back off him and let him mature has been a telling factor in the success of this horse as he's gone from maiden to Group One company in five starts in his first racing campaign.

"I knew after this horse won his third start that he was something special to have in my barn as he has staggering speed. I still maintain that he's potentially the best I've trained.

"He'll now have a 10-day break then come back into training with the Victoria, New Zealand and New South Wales Derbies as his goals".

Monkey King was patiently driven by Mitchell, working forward three-wide with cover around the field over the closing lap before powering forward wide out on the home turn to challenge the leaders.

Monkey King showed plenty of stamina for an equine athlete more known for his speed to win by a head over Ambro The Thug with Jays Debut 3 1/2 lengths away third.

There was plenty of drama on the home turn when the pace-setting Alta Sirocco was checked by the breaking Awesome Armbro (parked).

Alta Sirocco broke and came back onto the hot favourite and stablemate Pay Me Christian eliminating both runners out of the event.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY