Racing: Pride looking forward to wet Derby Day

Photo / Thinkstock

Joe Pride was cheering in the rain on Victoria Derby Day last year and this time around hopes to double the celebrations with his two stable stars in action.

Dual group one winner Sacred Choice heads to Flemington on Saturday to defend her Myer Classic (1600m) title and Neeson will join her on the float to Melbourne this week to take aim in the Salinger Stakes (1200m).

Neeson earned his trip when he returned to top form with a convincing win in the group two Premiere Stakes (1200m) on October 1, having disappointed this preparation.

Pride was relieved to see Neeson back to his best and was confident of a repeat performance in the gelding's first Melbourne outing.

"He's on fire and he'll run really well on Saturday. We're going down there with not much to lose now.

"I'm really happy with the horse, I think he's turned the corner, he's going really well and he's in the right race."

Michael Rodd rode Neeson in the Premiere Stakes but Hugh Bowman jumps back aboard on Saturday, while Corey Brown rides Sacred Choice.

The Salinger Stakes, run down the Flemington straight six, could also open up autumn carnival options for Neeson if he performs to expectations.

"It will be an interesting experiment and it might make a race like the Newmarket more attractive next year," Pride said.

The trainer says that reigning Doncaster winner Sacred Choice's performances have been disappointing this campaign but maintains the mare can return to form.

Sacred Choice finished ninth carrying 56.5kg in the Epsom last start and goes into the Myer with four weeks between runs. It's a programme which has netted a feature race win in her past three preparations.

Pride has not had a Melbourne runner since last year's carnival but cannot wait to go back for Derby Day which he describes as "the greatest day's racing".

- AAP