Volkstok'n'barrell On Target For The Derby
- Tuesday, 31 March 2015 06:50
Craig Williams' confidence in Volkstok'n'barrell has rubbed off on trainer Donna Logan heading into the Australian Derby.
The Melbourne-based jockey made the trip to Randwick on Tuesday to give the Rosehill Guineas winner a work-out.
With Logan back in New Zealand tending to her stable, Williams gave a glowing report and called the trainer to express his delight over barrier five of 10 for Saturday's 2400m Classic.
"Craig called to say the barrier was perfect and he was very happy with the horse's gallop," Logan said.
"The barrier gives him options if it happens to be no good on the inside he can get away from the fence."
The news for Logan is also good regarding Rising Romance who missed Saturday's BMW with a bruised hoof.
Her performance in Saturday's Chairman's handicap (2600m) will determine whether she continues to the Sydney Cup a week later.
"We put bar shoes on and that has relieved the pressure," Logan said.
"She also galloped well this morning so things are looking a lot better.
"I just don't want too much more rain for either of them.
"Going up in distance on a heavy track is not ideal."
Godolphin's Hauraki has joined the Chris Waller-trained Preferment at the head of the TAB's market at $3.50 with Volkstok'n'barrell at $4.60.
Former favourite, New Zealand Derby winner Mongolian Khan, is out to $8 after running fifth in the Rosehill Guineas.
Both the favourites are looking for rare doubles with Hauraki trying to add the Derby to his Tulloch Stakes win and Preferment aiming to add the Sydney Classic to his win in the Victoria Derby.
The last horse to claim the Tulloch-Australian Derby double was Starcraft in 2004 while Mahogany in 1993 was the last to complete the two most prestigious Classics in Australia.
A field of 10 will line up in the Derby with Preferment, who finished second in the Rosehill Guineas, to start from the outside.
