Xenophon On Derby Trail
- Tuesday, 06 April 2010 06:58
An improved last-start placing with blinkers on has fuelled South Australian Derby hopes for Byron Cozamanis-trained colt Xenophon.
The son of Show A Heart is among 29 up-and-coming three-year-olds trying to forge staying careers nominated for Saturday's Galilee Series Final (2500m) at Flemington.
The $100,000 event provides a convenient lead-up to the VRC St Leger Stakes (2800m) at Flemington on Anzac Day as well as the SA Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on May 2.
Cozamanis, who bought Xenophon as a yearling for $150,000 at the 2008 Inglis' Classic Sale in Sydney, said it had been a revelation to see the chestnut evolve as a stayer.
"I thought being by Show A Heart he would be a sprinter early on but he showed nothing," Cozamanis said.
"It now appears the longer the races the better he goes at the moment."
Xenophon still has a long way to go to repay Cozamanis' investment having returned just over $30,000 from his win and two minor placings in 12 starts but was competitive at stakes level last spring.
His most notable performance was a fourth to Keep Control in the Listed Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville before winning his maiden at Strathalbyn over 2050m in October.
This campaign he was slow to find form with three down-the-track performances before Cozamanis replaced winkers with blinkers last start and he raced a lot keener.
He was always among the leaders and fought hard to the line to finish third to Chartreux and Beer Garden who are also entered for the Galilee.
"It was a much-improved run last start and I don't think the 2500 metres is going to worry him," Cozamanis, who formerly trained in South Australia before shifting to Caulfield, said.
"I am very happy with him and if he runs well then he will go to the SA Derby."
Xenophon has a 64 rating going into the race at Flemington and Dan Nikolic is booked for the Galilee ride.
Top rated is Chartreux (82), clearly ahead of Exceptionally (68), Rundle (67), Gallant Lady (66) and Beer Garden (65).
Weights will be declared on Wednesday.
