Grand Prix winner Brambles the one to beat in Queensland Derby

The Peter Moody trained Brambles heads to the Queensland Derby as the horse to beat after leading all of the way in taking out the Group 3 $150,000 Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) at Doomben today.

A clever front running ride by Brad Rawiller saw Brambles win back to back races at Doomben and is on queue for the Group 1 $500,000 Channel Seven Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm in two weeks.

Rawiller was able to let Brambles roll to the front at the winning post the first time and after wrestling for the lead at the 1600m, was able to set up a solid tempo.

Coming to the 700m, Rawiller had Brambles travelling that well that he let the three year old slide to a clear lead and led the field into the straight by several lengths and nothing was able to run him down, scoring by three and a quarter lengths.

“I thought there was a good chance we would end up in front from the barrier we drew today. To his credit we just didn’t sit there and sit and sprint, we made it a good staying race. He was too good, well done to Peter,” Rawiller said.

Winning part owner Terry Henderson representing the Moody stable paid tribute to the top trainer for his patience and handling of the three year old heading towards the Derby.

“He got his own way by setting the tempo, but that’s always not going to be possible as we know,” Henderson said.

“Pete thought he would be more of a stayer than we did, more a mile or 2000m, but Pete always thought that he was a Derby horse and to his great credit he was very patient with him early and now he has gone on.”

The Moody stable filled the quinella with Vatuvei with Luke Nolen aboard running home for second while New Zealand three year old Red Shift earned some valuable prizemoney by filling the third spot.

While Brambles ($4.80) and Vatuvei ($7) are certain Derby starters, Red Shift ($12) will have to wait for final acceptances to see if he can sneak into the field.

Moody’s other Derby hope Soros ended up the favourite at $4, settled just worst than midfield and did make up ground in the straight for fourth.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.